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José Mourinho disclosed that instructing substitute Eduardo Camavinga to "attack the space" was crucial to Real Madrid's stunning win over Barcelona on Sunday.
Madrid sensationally snapped their rivals' record-matching nine-game winning streak with an unlikely 2–1 triumph, as Kylian Mbappé netted twice.
In contrast to some of Madrid's more inconsistent displays this season, Mourinho's side were disciplined at Camp Nou, stifling the defending champions' opportunities while creating their own.
Los Blancos were fortunate with Mbappé's opener—a strange deflection off the striker at close range following Gerard Martín's botched clearance. But the decisive goal came from a brilliant counter attack with under five minutes remaining, as Camavinga burst forward from midfield before cleverly rounding Pau Cubarsí and teeing up Mbappé for a simple finish.
It was a goal of real quality from the visitors—who now sit just three points off the summit—and one that, reportedly, stemmed directly from Mourinho's tactical preparation.
Mourinho Pinpoints Barcelona Weakness
Speaking at his post-match press conference, the manager—who has gone unbeaten across his last six Clásicos—explained how he instructed 80th-minute midfield substitute Camavinga to penetrate defensive lines, rather than depending solely on his forwards to create attacking threats.
"I told Camavinga, go and attack the space," Mourinho said. "It is difficult for any attacker to attack space against Barcelona; the only solution is to do it with your midfielders.
"When your attackers try it, Barca's defense is ready and drilled for that, and your forwards either get caught offside or the pass is cut out by Joan Garcia. The solution is to use midfielders like Camavinga and [Jude] Bellingham to break that line, and it worked."
Mbappé, whose brace brings his Real Madrid tally to exactly 100 goals, was once again the Clásico's standout figure, though Mourinho was eager to shine a light on some of Los Blancos' less celebrated performers on the night.
"[Andriy] Lunin was unbelievable, yet no one asked me about him ... I'm sure you would have if we had lost," he said.
"Let me speak about Fede Valverde. He kept going despite carrying an injury for more than 40 minutes," Mourinho added of his captain, who started the match at right back. "He refused to come off, battled through the pain, and gave absolutely everything for the team."
Mourinho Figures Out His Team
👔 Mourinho 👔 pic.twitter.com/fg5uqWqdcp
Sunday at Camp Nou may have been the first occasion since returning to the role he vacated 13 years ago that Mourinho truly felt at ease with his Real Madrid squad.
His early months back in charge featured anxious performances and stumbles, but the Clásico win was quintessential Mourinho. His side—mocked for finishing bottom of La Liga's pressing statistics earlier this campaign—snapped into challenges, closed down space, neutralized threats and counter-attacked with precision against their fiercest rivals.
The manager also appears to have a clearer vision of how to manage the talent in his starting lineup. With Vinícius Júnior suspended and well below his best regardless, Yan Diomande and Arda Güler make greater sense as the wide options, while Bernardo Silva's presence in midfield provides Madrid with better passing rhythm without sacrificing intensity.
Valverde had publicly resisted playing right back under Xabi Alonso just last season, yet appeared fully committed to putting his body on the line defensively for Mourinho, offering Los Blancos a solidity and drive that fits the tactical setup better than Trent Alexander-Arnold or Denzel Dumfries.
While it is only one result, there is now genuine belief that Madrid can use this victory as a springboard for a serious title challenge after two difficult years.
As Mourinho himself stated: "Real Madrid do not play just to win at Camp Nou. Real Madrid play to win La Liga. This must be the mentality. We need to continue like this and not get carried away after this win."