By Asaye Bankole
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has expressed his preference ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated La Liga encounter between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, saying he wishes both teams could suffer defeat.
Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Mourinho admitted that he would prefer neither side to secure victory when they meet at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the Portuguese manager’s remarks on X on Friday, Mourinho said a double defeat for both clubs would be his preferred outcome.
“Atletico vs Barcelona? I’d like both of them to lose. Unfortunately, that’s not possible. Points will inevitably be dropped, and that’s the best possible news,” Mourinho said.
His comments reflect Real Madrid’s interest in the outcome of the encounter as the three Spanish giants continue their battle for the La Liga title.
Barcelona currently lead the league standings with 30 points from 11 matches, while Atlético Madrid occupy second position with 28 points. Real Madrid are third with 27 points.
A victory for either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid would strengthen their position in the title race, while a draw would see both teams drop valuable points, potentially providing Real Madrid with an opportunity to close the gap or move ahead.
The encounter is expected to be one of the biggest fixtures of the season so far, with Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid preparing to face Hansi Flick’s attack-minded Barcelona side.
Both teams have enjoyed impressive performances in recent weeks, raising expectations ahead of the encounter, which is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has also reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football after representing Portugal for 23 years.
The Real Madrid manager said Ronaldo’s decision should be respected, stressing that the development does not mean the end of the legendary forward’s professional football career.
“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it. He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated.
Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo during their successful spell together at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, maintained that the 41-year-old still has ambitions to achieve at club level.
He expressed hope that Ronaldo’s eventual retirement from professional football would come on a different occasion from his announcement to end his international career.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from Portugal duty on Thursday, bringing an end to his 23-year international career.
The decision reportedly followed a period of tension involving the forward and Portugal’s national team coach, Jorge Jesus.
However, Mourinho declined to comment extensively on the circumstances surrounding Ronaldo’s departure from the national team, insisting that the player’s decision deserved respect.
The Portuguese manager instead highlighted Ronaldo’s continued determination and suggested that the former Real Madrid forward still has important objectives to accomplish with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s international retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Portuguese football, although he is expected to continue his professional career at club level.
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