Real Madrid face Mbappé questions as Camavinga stays
Mourinho said Real Madrid’s pressing forced Inter’s errors in the 2-1 win, arguing ‘luck’ is trained through pressure and triggers rather than random fortune.
Predicted Real Madrid XI v Rayo: Güler and Bernardo Silva return in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1, with Bellingham behind Mbappé and Courtois kept in goal after the 2-1 win over Inter.
Mourinho wants Thiago Pitarch to improve physically before he can earn minutes in Real Madrid’s double pivot. The coach still rates him highly but competition in midfield is fierce.
Mbappé said ‘No one had a better season than me’ as the Real Madrid forward backed himself for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after 42 club goals and 10 more for France at the World Cup.
Mourinho wants Bernardo Silva fit and firing to fix Real Madrid’s lack of midfield control after the 2-1 win over Inter exposed the issue. The summer signing has played 205 minutes.
Nico Paz said he rejected a Real Madrid return because he felt Como was where he would ‘grow the most’, after staying in Serie A this summer.
Real Madrid host Rayo with strong numbers: 13 wins in their last 14 home league meetings, while Mourinho has won all four of his La Liga matches against them.
On-loan Real Madrid forward Franco Mastantuono struck twice in two minutes, then completed a hat-trick as Fiorentina came from behind to beat Venezia 4-2.
Mbappé praised Mourinho’s intelligence and clear direction at Real Madrid, saying it has helped his fast start. The forward has scored four Liga goals and netted in the 2-1 win over Inter.
Mbappé said jeers from Real Madrid fans were ‘natural’ and did not affect him, adding he understood the crowd’s displeasure during a difficult spell.
Kylian Mbappé praised Lamine Yamal, saying the Barcelona winger ‘has everything’. He also tipped Arda Güler and Endrick to go far.
Eduardo Camavinga rejected a €50m move to Galatasaray, opting to stay at Real Madrid. The midfielder has featured in all four of their league games so far this season.
Mourinho plans to use Endrick as Mbappé’s understudy and on the right wing, but doubts remain over whether the role could hinder the Brazilian’s progress.
Real Madrid could face Atlético without Pablo Barrios in the derby after the midfielder suffered a low-grade right leg injury. He is set to miss Real Sociedad and may not be fit in time.
Real Madrid fined Raul Asencio close to €100,000 after a traffic violation, citing damage to the club’s reputation, despite Mourinho recalling him for Rayo Vallecano.
Real Madrid could pursue Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January as Mourinho pushes for more control in midfield. The Spain international is valued at around €70m.
Mourinho’s key task is building chemistry between Vinicius Jr and Mbappé. Real Madrid still back Vinicius despite poor form, with the manager determined to get the pair clicking.
Mourinho backed Mbappé after fresh criticism of his fit and a missed penalty, insisting: ‘For me, a player who scores 40 goals is never a problem for the team.’
Mbappé said PSG, not Barcelona, are the team Real Madrid must overcome in the Champions League, calling the French side ‘the team to beat’ after back-to-back titles.
Thibaut Courtois was named in UEFA’s Champions League Team of the Week after a string of saves helped Real Madrid beat Inter Milan on opening night.
Vinicius Jr’s attitude has been questioned after Real Madrid’s win over Inter, amid concerns over his slow substitution, lack of tracking back and visible frustration.
