José Mourinho said he’s setting his sights even higher after Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in Sunday’s Clásico, saying “Real Madrid play to win the league, not to win at Camp Nou.”
Kylian Mbappé scored twice — including a dramatic 87th-minute winner — to give Madrid the victory in LaLiga, closing the gap between the two sides at the top of the table to just three points.
Mourinho’s team have now won five games in a row in all competitions, but speaking in his post-match news conference, the coach insisted that he’s not getting carried away with their form.
“This is a great win, but when we get back to work, I’m not going to let anyone have their head in the clouds,” Mourinho said. “If we win today and lose at El Sardinero [away at Racing Santander next weekend]… Real Madrid don’t play to win at Camp Nou, but rather to win the league. We have to keep going.”
Mbappé put Madrid ahead in the 41st minute on Sunday, as defender Gerard Martín’s attempted clearance rebounded off the forward and into the net.
Raphinha levelled, before Mbappé finished off a stunning Madrid counterattack late on, with substitute Eduardo Camavinga providing the assist.
“I think it was a great game,” Mourinho said. “A game at a high level, a game which the world that loves football stopped to see, and they weren’t let down… In our case, the boys played an extraordinary game, well organised, focused, with a lot of courage.
“For me it’s a great victory for the boys, against a great opponent. The boys deserve it.”
Reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had to step in for Thibaut Courtois at Camp Nou, who had the flu.
“The only thing I said to Lunin before the game was: you train to play, not to be on the bench,” Mourinho said. “We have the best keeper in the world, but today we weren’t crying before the game because Thibaut couldn’t play. The group is strong.”
Mourinho confirmed captain Federico Valverde had picked up an injury early in the match, but opted to continue playing to help his teammates.
“Valverde played injured for over 40 minutes,” he said. “He got injured, he wanted to carry on. He wanted to go to the limit. He gave everything on the field.”–ESPN
