Real Madrid’s manager says dropped points by the La Liga leaders would suit him, as his side prepares for a tough trip to Mestalla.
Tamrah News Desk | November 6, 2026
Mourinho wants both to lose when Atlético Madrid host Barcelona on Sunday, the Real Madrid manager said on Friday, because points dropped by the two teams above his side help Madrid in the La Liga title race. He spoke at the news conference before Madrid’s visit to Valencia.
According to Goal, Mourinho said
“I’d like both to lose”
and accepted that this cannot happen. The outlet added that he sees it as simple, since one side or both will drop points, and that he does not mind which.
What Mourinho Said Before the Valencia Trip
EFE, in a report carried by Infobae, said Mourinho was asked about the clash between the top two clubs in the table. He described the fixture as easy for him to read because someone will leave without all three points. The same report said he told reporters that, honestly, the result makes no difference to him.
La Liga Table Before Matchweek 12
Goal reported that Barcelona lead on 30 points, two clear of Atlético Madrid, with Real Madrid third on 27. All three clubs have played 11 games.
LaLiga confirmed that Valencia host Real Madrid at Mestalla on Saturday, November 7, at 21:00 Spanish time, with Atlético against Barcelona at the Metropolitano on Sunday, November 8, at the same hour. NBC Sports reported that Atlético can move to the top of the La Liga table with a win.
Barcelona have lost only once in the league this season. Arab News reported that Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid won 2 to 1 at Camp Nou, which was Barcelona’s first defeat after nine wins.
Real Madrid Face a Tough Valencia Test
Mourinho made clear that his own match is the bigger concern. 101 Great Goals quoted him calling it
“one of the most difficult in the entire league.”
The same outlet said Valencia are 19th and have won two of their 11 league games. EFE said he praised Valencia coach Javier Aguirre as an experienced manager who wants results above style. He also pointed out that Valencia are rested and had a full week to prepare, which makes the Real Madrid trip harder.
Goal reported that Madrid are still recovering from their Champions League trip to AEK Athens, and that the squad stayed at the Valdebebas training ground after landing around 3 am to get extra rest. Mourinho said the feedback from players was positive.
Will Real Madrid Go Level With Barcelona?
According to 101 Great Goals, a win at Mestalla would lift Madrid to 30 points, level with Barcelona, before the leaders face each other. That position would depend on Sunday’s result, which could leave Madrid ahead of one rival or both in the La Liga title race.
Form and Team News Before the International Break
Yahoo Sports reported that Saturday’s match is Madrid’s last before the second international break of the season. Mourinho also addressed the return of Vinícius Júnior from suspension after that break, saying the team comes first.
Atlético and Barcelona arrive with different recent results. Sports Illustrated Latin America reported that Atlético have won seven straight league games, most recently 2 to 0 against Levante, but lost 2 to 0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday. LiveScore said Barcelona recovered from defeats to Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid by beating Alavés 6 to 1 and Aston Villa 3 to 0. Sports Illustrated also listed several Barcelona absences, including Rodri.
Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this season. The club said his contract runs until June 30, 2029. Readers can follow more La Liga coverage and the latest Real Madrid news on Tamrah News, along with our wider sports category.
Conclusion
Mourinho wants both to lose on Sunday, but his first task is Saturday’s visit to Valencia. Fans searching for Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona or Real Madrid vs Valencia should note the 21:00 Spanish kick offs. Anyone checking the La Liga table or the wider La Liga title race should watch how many points separate the top three after the weekend. This Mourinho press conference comment shows how tight the race remains for Real Madrid.
