Mourinho Warns Real Madrid Must Improve Match Control Before Atletico Derby

Posted : 19 September 2026

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has acknowledged that his side still struggles to control matches ahead of Sunday’s LaLiga derby against Atlético Madrid.

Madrid have made a strong start to the campaign, winning five of their opening six league matches and sitting three points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona, with Atlético currently third. However, late goals have been needed to secure victories over Espanyol and Elche, highlighting concerns about the team’s ability to close games.

Mourinho said the problem becomes apparent when Madrid create several opportunities without putting the match beyond their opponents. According to the coach, failing to convert those chances can cause the team to lose its concentration and surrender control of games it appeared to have under command.

The Portuguese manager stressed that defensive control remains a concern beyond the derby itself. He said he wants his players not only to score frequently but also to dictate matches rather than allow opponents back into contests.

Madrid have developed an aggressive, high-tempo style under Mourinho, with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham providing much of the team's attacking threat. Mourinho described his side as a “frenetic” team that wins the ball and immediately accelerates, but acknowledged that this approach can leave openings defensively.

Bernardo Silva is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested for the midweek victory over Elche. His inclusion could give Madrid another option for maintaining possession and controlling the tempo against Diego Simeone’s Atlético.

The derby also comes amid controversy surrounding a solidarity shirt linked to Ceuta. Vinicius, Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté did not fully display the message on the shirts before the Elche match. Real Madrid subsequently said players were free to decide whether to participate, while Mbappé explained that he wanted to acknowledge the suffering of migrants as well as the people of Ceuta.

Vinicius has scored once this season and missed several opportunities in the win over Elche. Mourinho said he is waiting for the Brazilian to rediscover the finishing form that has previously made him decisive for Madrid. Mbappé, meanwhile, has scored eight goals across competitions and enters the derby as one of the team's main attacking threats.

Mourinho and Simeone have a history of meetings from the Portuguese coach’s first spell at Real Madrid. With Madrid aiming to keep pace with Barcelona, Mourinho will be looking for his side to combine its attacking intensity with greater control when the teams meet at the Metropolitano.

Mourinho Warns Real Madrid Must Improve Match Control Before Atletico Derby

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