Real Madrid secured their third consecutive win in the competition, moving to nine points, with Jude Bellingham delivering a standout performance—scoring a brilliant individual goal and assisting another. The English midfielder’s display drew high praise from José Mourinho, who shared his thoughts on the club’s official website.
Mourinho on Bellingham’s Mentality and Role
Mourinho highlighted Bellingham’s demanding nature, both with himself and his teammates, as a key trait that he admires. The Portuguese coach revealed that they had agreed to give Bellingham a more advanced attacking role, emphasizing that he does not want to see the midfielder tracking back like a second left-back, which he has done too often in the past.
Team Performance and Late-Game Dip
While Mourinho expressed satisfaction with the overall team display, he noted a drop in organization during the final 20 minutes once the result was effectively sealed. He said, “I am very happy with everyone’s performance because every player contributes. But when you are three goals ahead, the team can lose some structure and relax a bit.”
Pressing Style and Energy Management
Mourinho reiterated Real Madrid’s ambition to establish a high-pressing game, winning the ball in advanced areas and continuing to attack rather than dropping deep. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining the same intensity and mindset for the full 90 minutes.
Ballon d’Or and Other Standout Players
When asked about Bellingham’s chances for the Ballon d’Or, Mourinho stated that Real Madrid have multiple candidates, describing the Englishman as a “wonderful midfielder.” He also praised Eduardo Camavinga for a strong performance and positive reaction, as well as the commitment shown by Federico Valverde and other squad members.
Looking Ahead: Real Betis and Champions League
Mourinho warned his team about the difficulty of their upcoming away match against Real Betis in Seville, saying, “We have a very tough game, and we must give our best.” Real Madrid will then begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.