The popcorn is ready! Mourinho prepares to celebrate after Atletico and Barcelona clash
Real Madrid's revolution makes them more resolute
José Mourinho is settling in to watch the eagerly awaited clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. His Real Madrid have already done their bit, seeing off Valencia to head into the international break in an ideal position, with their performances improving and their grip tightening on the top of both La Liga and the Champions League.
According to the Spanish newspaper "AS", Mourinho had joked before the Atlético-Barcelona meeting that he wanted "both teams to lose".
Mestalla proved less daunting than the Portuguese had feared. Now he can sink into his chair, popcorn in hand, and watch the two local rivals go at it, safe in the knowledge that the clean 3-0 win in Valencia means any result at the "Riyadh Air Metropolitano" works in his favour.
What matters more is that this is no longer about short-term results. The "run of matches" Mourinho so often talks about has become undeniable reality.
The newspaper pointed out that Real Madrid are now a completely different side from the one that stuttered at the start of the season and took a harsh beating in the derby.
Mourinho has found the right combination. The players feel it too, and it shows in their standing across both competitions.
Eight straight wins carried Real Madrid into the international break. They sit close to the top of the Champions League after a perfect record from their first four games, and they lead La Liga as well.
Beyond the climb up the table and the four consecutive away wins that had been troubling Mourinho, the team's most striking feature right now is the harmony between the players' personalities and their roles on the pitch.
"AS" explained that Fede Valverde has finally accepted right-back as his natural position, while Arda Güler, Bernardo and Diomande sharpen the defensive commitment, freeing Jude Bellingham of the huge physical burdens he once shouldered alone. The collective spirit has emerged in its best form.
A major development for Real Madrid
Asked whether this Real Madrid is more solid than the sides before it, Mourinho refused to take the credit himself, saying after Mestalla: "The credit goes to them, and I cannot identify anything in my work that was a decisive factor in them reaching this level. They are responding in an amazing way as a single team."
The Madrid coach could not hide his satisfaction. "There is a major development, and this team gives me a good feeling," he added.
His coaching staff keep insisting that Real Madrid have not yet reached perfection. Even so, they have managed to pass on calm and confidence to the players, and that is what Mourinho wants to protect through this spell of wins and positive results.
"I always tell them that winning with Real Madrid is not something to celebrate, rather it is the normal state," Mourinho told his players.
Real Madrid are winning more smoothly now, and with greater bite. Los Blancos have put their foot down, and normal service has resumed.
