José Mourinho impressed by Real Madrid’s new solidarity

01.11.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Racing Santander

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Real Madrid

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José Mourinho takes much more than the result from the match. After Real Madrid’s victory over Racing Santander (3-0) on Sunday, the Portuguese coach was particularly pleased with his team’s collective progress. He notably highlighted the forwards’ commitment and their willingness to contribute to the defensive work.

An efficient Real Madrid from the first half

Los Merengues quickly took control of the match at the El Sardinero stadium. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute, before Jude Bellingham doubled the lead ten minutes later. Yan Diomande then scored the third goal in the 36th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box.

Despite this comfortable lead at half-time, Mourinho refused to consider the match over. He recalled that Racing Santander remained dangerous, particularly thanks to the support of their home crowd:

El Sardinero is a very difficult stadium. Racing are a competitive team. Even three goals down, they remain dangerous. We could have won 4-0 or 5-0, but the match could also have become complicated.

Mourinho appreciates the forwards’ defensive efforts

One of the coach’s main sources of satisfaction concerns the way his players behave when Real Madrid lose the ball. For the coach, this collective commitment shows that his team is improving and growing more cohesive:

The players are very committed. This team is developing and playing well. I think we should even have scored more goals given the chances we created.

Beyond the three points earned in Santander, the Portuguese coach therefore sees encouraging signs in the solidarity of his squad. The ability of the attacking players to contribute to defensive duties could become an important factor as the Madrid season progresses.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Racing Santander

Real Madrid

LaLiga Spain