Real Madrid secured a 2‑1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, a result that has narrowed the league gap to just three points and highlighted the effectiveness of José Mourinho’s bench strategy. The win, Madrid’s 13th in the season, came after midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was introduced in the 80th minute and quickly set up Kylian Mbappé’s decisive goal. Camavinga’s arrival, which followed a 13‑minute pattern of late‑game contributions from substitutes, underscored the squad’s depth and the coach’s willingness to deploy his best players at crucial moments.
The match marked a turning point for Mourinho, who had been criticised early in the campaign for hesitating to use his substitutes and for making late tactical adjustments. In the 13th game of his second spell at the club, he turned the tide by bringing on Camavinga, who exploited a gap in Barcelona’s offside trap while Aurélien Tchouaméni held the midfield. The Frenchman’s quick burst and precise pass to Mbappé sealed the win, a performance that Mourinho praised as evidence of his “rich bench” and the team’s hunger.
Earlier in the season, Madrid’s use of substitutes had been inconsistent. In a 1‑1 draw with Espanyol, Mourinho had only made two changes by the 80th minute, a decision that left the team struggling to find a breakthrough. A similar pattern appeared in a home win over Rayo Vallecano, where three substitutions were made before the final minute, and in a 1‑0 loss to Betis, where only one change was introduced in the 82nd minute. These instances raised questions about Mourinho’s in‑game decision making and his readiness to exploit the squad’s resources.
Despite these concerns, the Clásico win has reignited confidence in Mourinho’s tactical acumen. He defended his approach in a post‑match press conference, noting that he had to “listen to his coaching team” and that his decisions were based on a comprehensive understanding of the squad. The victory also came after a narrow defeat to Betis and a dramatic 4‑3 comeback against AS Roma, where Mourinho’s late substitutions—introducing Endrick, Espí and Güler—produced two goals and two assists. These moments demonstrate his growing confidence in using the bench to secure results.
Looking ahead, Madrid will aim to maintain the momentum from the Clásico as they continue their push for the LaLiga title. With the league table now only a few points behind Barcelona, every point will be critical. Mourinho’s willingness to adapt his strategy and his recent success with substitute contributions suggest that Real Madrid’s campaign could see a resurgence, provided the team continues to perform consistently on the pitch.