Real Madrid won the El Clásico again with a 2-1 victory over Barcelona, and the result has reinforced José Mourinho's position as the team's spiritual leader. The victory at the Camp Nou, after a 1-2 defeat in the last game of the season, has been interpreted by the press and fans as confirmation that the Portuguese has found the formula he needs to lead the club.
Before the match, Madrid had suffered defeats against Betis and Atlético de Madrid, two rivals that had put Mourinho in a difficult situation. The pressure was high, as Flick's team was nine points behind and any defeat would have worsened the club's position in the table. However, the victory in the Clásico has changed that narrative and generated an atmosphere of optimism within the club.
Mourinho has been evolving his tactics throughout the season. In the Champions League, after the 3-4 comeback against Inter Milan in Rome, the coach introduced a double pivot with Tchouaméni and Valverde, which gave positive results. At the Camp Nou, the Uruguayan returned to the right-back position, while Güler and Bernardo Silva joined forces up front, creating a more fluid and coherent attack. This approach was also reflected in the matches against Sevilla and RB Leipzig, where Madrid achieved 4‑1 victories with a more orderly construction of the game centered on the figure of Arda Güler.
During the press conferences, Mourinho has emphasized that he is not a “stubborn” coach, but that he adapts to the needs of the team and the expectations of the fans. His speech has included messages of unity and the identification of a common enemy, such as criticism from the press and referees, which has generated a climate of camaraderie between players and fans. This approach has been compared to his first spell at the club, where he was seen more as a spiritual leader than a simple manager.
Mourinho's arrival in Valdebebas at dawn on Monday was received with cheers from around fifty people, demonstrating the enthusiasm of the fans for his presence. The coach, known as “The Special One”, has managed to create an atmosphere of trust and motivation that is reflected in the team's performance.
With the Clásico secured and the season underway, Real Madrid remains in a favorable position in the LaLiga table. The club's next objective will be to consolidate its dominance in the league and advance in the Champions League, as Mourinho continues to fine-tune his strategy to keep the team competitive in all competitions.