Mourinho's Midas touch fuels Real's surge as La Liga heats up

The Camp Nou erupted on Sunday when Kylian Mbappe's late strike secured a 2‑1 win for Real Madrid, prompting Jose Mourinho to celebrate with his trademark knee slide, a gesture that underlined his continued Midas touch in the heated Clasico rivalry.

Real Madrid have now won five consecutive games in all competitions, extending a run that Mourinho has overseen since his return this summer. The victory against Barcelona marked the latest chapter in that unbeaten sequence.

Mourinho has become only the third Real manager to avoid defeat in six successive Clasicos, a feat achieved thirteen years after he first guided Los Blancos in the fixture. His record now stands at six unbeaten Clasicos out of twelve meetings.

Unbeaten streak adds Mourinho to elite company

Four wins and two draws in his last six encounters place him level with Miguel Munoz, who steered the club from 1962 to 1965, and Vicente del Bosque, whose unbeaten run spanned 2001 to 2003. Those three managers share the distinction of six straight Clasico results without loss.

Mbappe's double secured Real's 2‑1 win, ending Barcelona's nine‑game unbeaten domestic run and delivering only the second victory for Real in eight Clasico meetings. The French striker's late winner proved decisive at the Camp Nou.

Real Madrid break Barcelona's unbeaten run at Camp Nou

Result reshapes La Liga race

The result reshaped the La Liga table, pulling Real within three points of the Catalan side after a defeat would have handed Barcelona a nine‑point cushion. The win therefore tightened the title race as the season reaches its climax.

Mourinho said, “In my view, Real Madrid do not play to win at the Camp Nou, Real Madrid play to win La Liga.” He added, “We could win with luck, but we won with calmness and with all merit.” The Portuguese manager praised the group’s hard work and stressed that credit belongs to the players, while blame falls on the coach when results slip.

He reflected on the squad, noting, “I’ve learned that I have an extraordinary group, with the quality and mindset to play.” Mourinho highlighted the balance provided by a midfield mix of talents, warning the team not to become over‑confident after the triumph.

Mbappe's double turns tide in El Clasico showdown at Camp Nou

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick conceded his side lacked freshness after a demanding spell, stating, “We missed the freshness.” He stressed the need for proper recovery and training, adding that small details decide big games and that Barcelona must change to bounce back.