Jose Mourinho has insisted his Real Madrid side “will win titles” as he prepares for the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday.
Los Blancos travel to the Camp Nou trailing fierce rivals Barcelona by six points in LaLiga, with the hosts looking to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign.
Real’s fortunes, by comparison, has been somewhat less assured, having already lost twice in the league this season. However, they have preserved a 100% record in the Champions League – something Barcelona relinquished on Tuesday after a 4-2 defeat to holders Paris Saint-Germain.
And so with Real hungry to get their domestic season back on track, and Barca licking the wounds of a humbling in Europe, it makes for hugely intriguing clash on what will be Mourinho’s return to this fixture for the first time since 2013.
The Real boss, whose ties with Barcelona run deep having been a coach there 30 years ago under the late Sir Bobby Robson, did not mince his words when asked if Sunday’s game will be something of a litmus test of his side’s LaLiga credentials.
“No,” he said. “Mourinho’s Madrid will win titles.”
The 63-year-old, however, was less matter-of-fact in his assessment of Sunday’s fixture more widely, acknowledging the grandeur of the occasion.
“I think it’s a worldwide spectacle,” he said.
“There are other derbies around the world, but this is unique. Fans who love football stop to watch El Clasico.
“We’ve been playing well, winning matches and scoring goals. But a Clasico is different – the form book goes out the window. In my experience, the momentum you have going into the game does not mean much.”
READ MORE: Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI: Which club has the stronger squad?
Mourinho insists referee debate has ‘never bothered me’
The subject of referees has generated considerable debate ahead of the game, over the ongoing case pertaining to payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Spanish referees’ committee (CTA).
It prompted Barca player Fermin Lopez to hit out at Mourinho’s continued criticism of officials, describing it as “tiresome”.
Mourinho responded by saying that Lopez “gets tired of our discourse” and insisted the subject of referees is not one that affects him.
“The referee’s name has never bothered me,” the Real boss said.
“I always start from the principle that the referee is good. It never bothers me to know if the referee is A, B, or C. What bothers me a little is when the rules are broken, which, according to internal information, have not been broken yet.”
“Three weeks ago, the name of one referee came out; this week, it’s another [Juan Martínez Munuera].
“Whoever it is, I hope it goes well for them.”
‘No big deal’
Understandably, Mourinho remained tight-lipped on the specifics of his game plan, but hailed Barca head coach Hansi Flick as a “great coach, doing an excellent job”.
However, the Real manager looked to play down the emotions of returning to the Camp Nou, adding: “It’s just like going to any other stadium.
“Obviously, we are talking about a team with a lot of quality. It’s not the same to play against a high-quality team as it is to play against a less strong one, but it’s no big deal.”
Where to Watch Barcelona v Real Madrid: TV and online streams
Barcelona versus Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm GMT (9pm local time) on Sunday, October 25 at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Expected line-ups for Barcelona v Real Madrid
Barcelona: Joan García; Espart, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Güler; Brahim, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappé
Recent Form & Stats for Barcelona v Real Madrid
- Barcelona have won all nine La Liga games this season, scoring 39 and conceding nine. It is the best start after nine games of any team in La Liga since 1997/98.
- Barcelona have won 23 consecutive La Liga home games, dating back to September 2025, and won all 19 home games last season.
- Barcelona have scored in 35 consecutive home La Liga games and in 11 consecutive games overall.
- Real Madrid have conceded in four consecutive away games.
Recent Results : Barcelona
Recent Results : Real Madrid
LaLiga table
Primera División
- Position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Position 5 : Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Position 6 : Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Position 18, 19, 20 : Relegation – LaLiga2
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
