Real Madrid victory over Barcelona gives Mourinho and key players fresh backing from Perez

Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou has strengthened Florentino Perez’s belief in the club’s current project, easing doubts surrounding Jose Mourinho and reigniting the Spanish title race.

Perez was not present in Barcelona, with relations between the two clubs described as tense, and a representative attended the match in his place. Nevertheless, the Real Madrid president made sure the players and coaching staff received his congratulations after the victory and conveyed his appreciation for their performance.

The result was particularly significant for Mourinho, who had faced criticism and questions about his ability to improve Real Madrid following the derby defeat. Some observers had argued that changing the manager had failed to resolve the team’s technical problems, while alternative candidates, including Didier Deschamps, had been discussed.

Victory at Camp Nou provided Mourinho with an important response. Real Madrid showed they could compete effectively in a major fixture, while the outcome strengthened confidence within the club in Perez’s decision to place his trust in the Portuguese manager.

Perez’s transfer choices rewarded

The president’s satisfaction extended beyond Mourinho’s display and the result itself. Several players whose recruitment or development had previously prompted questions played important roles in the win.

Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were central to Real Madrid’s success against Barcelona, underlining their status as key figures in the club’s long-term plans. Their contribution offered Perez further evidence of the value of the choices made in building the squad.

There were also impressive performances from Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga. The Turkish midfielder is viewed by the club as a potential cornerstone of its creative play in the coming years, while Camavinga retained the backing of the administration despite criticism during earlier periods.

Both players responded with influential displays against Barcelona, reinforcing Perez’s belief that they can have important roles in the team’s future.

The match also highlighted the depth of Real Madrid’s match-winning options. The team has players capable of changing high-level games through goals, creativity and their influence on the tempo of a contest.

Titles remain the target

Despite the optimism created by the result, Perez knows that beating Barcelona does not secure a trophy. The success of the project will ultimately depend on whether Real Madrid can maintain this level throughout the season.

The president hopes Mourinho and his players can use the psychological boost from the classico to continue competing for silverware. For Perez, the final results at the end of the campaign will provide the true measure of his decisions, rather than the victory over Barcelona alone.

The listed Spanish league schedule includes Barcelona on 31 October 2026, while Deportivo Alaves and Racing Santander are due to meet on 1 November 2026. Real Madrid are also listed, alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, in the competition information.