Mourinho's team had been struggling to find their footing this season, but he has now implemented changes that seem to be paying off. The tactical adjustments and player substitutions appear to have revitalized the squad, leading to a much-needed victory against their fierce rivals.

As Real Madrid took the lead through Kylian Mbappé's goal, Mourinho remained seated on the bench, observing the action unfold before him. However, when Mbappé sealed the win with his second goal in injury time, Mourinho was quick to celebrate, leaping onto the grass and pumping his fists in excitement.

The dramatic scenes at Camp Nou were a far cry from the sterile press conference that had taken place just weeks earlier, where Mourinho had skipped the traditional question-and-answer session. His decision to forgo the usual protocol was seen as a sign of things to come, and it seems he has now shifted into high gear.

Real Madrid's players, meanwhile, were jubilant in their victory, sprinting towards the corner of the stadium to celebrate with their fans. The home supporters, who had been vocal in their opposition to Mourinho, were left stunned by the outcome, their disappointment evident as they tossed bottles onto the pitch.

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, was absent from the match due to illness, watching from home in Boadilla as his teammates battled for victory. Despite missing out on the action, he must have been thrilled to see his team emerge triumphant against their arch-rivals.

Mourinho's plan came together in dramatic fashion as Real Madrid emerged victorious against their arch-rivals at Camp Nou. The team's fortunes have been transformed since the coach took over, and this win has given them a significant psychological boost.

The absence of Thibaut Courtois due to injury could have proved costly for Madrid, but Mourinho showed faith in his understudy Andriy Lunin. The young goalkeeper was thrust into action and responded with a solid performance, helping his team secure the win.

Despite the final scoreline being 2-1 in favor of Real Madrid, Barcelona's dominance on paper was evident. They had a staggering 62% share of possession and created 18 clear-cut chances compared to their opponents' 10. However, it was not enough to seal the victory for the home team.

The result has sent shockwaves through La Liga, with many expecting Barcelona to stroll to the title. Instead, Real Madrid's win has tightened the gap between the two teams, and the title race is now wide open. As Mourinho noted, a three-point deficit can be overcome, especially with his team's newfound momentum.

Mourinho's tactics have been instrumental in Madrid's resurgence, and he has shown an uncanny ability to prepare for big games. The coach's instructions remained unchanged even after his team took the lead, as they continued to press high up the pitch and create scoring opportunities.

The win marked a significant milestone for Mourinho, who has now secured six consecutive victories against Barcelona without defeat. His teams have not relied on defensive solidity or counter-attacks; instead, they have shown an ability to adapt and exploit their opponents' weaknesses.

The final whistle sparked jubilation among the Madrid players and staff, with some of them celebrating in the corridors outside the dressing room. For Mourinho and his team, this win is a testament to their growing confidence and belief in their abilities.

Mourinho's tactical approach has proven successful as Real Madrid secured a crucial win against Barcelona in the clásico match.

The team's success can be attributed to their ability to maintain calmness and composure under pressure, unlike some teams that rely on luck or mere defense to secure victories.

Barcelona, however, were not at their best, displaying signs of haste and imprecision throughout the game. Their coach had to remind his players to lower their "pulse rate" in the second half, a clear indication of their struggles.

One notable aspect was Lamine Yamal's missed opportunity just before halftime, which could have potentially changed the course of the match. Despite this, Madrid held firm and denied Barcelona any breakthrough.

The team's performance was also marked by discipline and attitude, as goalkeeper Lunin described it. This is not solely due to the occasion but a testament to the players' commitment to their manager's strategy.

Madrid exploited the space beyond Barcelona's full-backs with great success, particularly through Yan Diomandé's impressive display on his first clásico appearance at just 19 years old. His ability to receive more touches than any other Madrid player was a key factor in their victory.

The team's winning goal showcased their creativity and vision, as Jude Bellingham demonstrated exceptional skill in releasing Eduardo Camavinga with a clever pirouette, highlighting the manager's influence on the team's resurgence.

The team's winning goal showcased their creativity and vision, as Jude Bellingham demonstrated exceptional skill in releasing Eduardo Camavinga with a clever pirouette, highlighting the manager's influence on the team's approach to the game.

Before the match, Rodri warned that Madrid would try to deceive opponents into underestimating them, but he refused to fall for it. His words were put to the test as his teammates struggled to assert control over the midfield battle against Barcelona. Pedri was also caught out by Bernardo Silva's tenacity.

Madrid's tactical plan was to maintain possession and draw their opponents in, a strategy that was reinforced by the inclusion of Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva in the starting lineup. The presence of these players allowed Madrid to dominate the midfield for long periods, giving them a foothold in the game.

As the match wore on, Madrid's approach began to pay dividends as they created several clear-cut chances against Barcelona. In contrast, their opponents struggled to get into a rhythm, with shots being blocked and taken from distance.

The victory has given Real Madrid renewed hope of catching up with Barcelona in the league table, with Federico Valverde claiming that it will provide a much-needed boost to their campaign. With ten weeks gone since they last suffered a defeat, the team is starting to show signs of improvement.

Madrid's recent resurgence can be attributed in part to their willingness to adapt and change their approach when necessary. The decision to drop Vinícius Júnior from the lineup and introduce new players such as Arda Guler and Diomandé has paid dividends, allowing them to exploit Barcelona's vulnerabilities.

The changes made by Mourinho have also had an impact on the team's fortunes, with some observers suggesting that his new beard may be a symbol of his willingness to think outside the box and try new things. Whatever the reason, Madrid's winning streak is now at five games, and they are beginning to look like a team on the rise.

The shift in Real Madrid's tactics is becoming more apparent as they continue to impress under their new manager. Gone are the days of relying on one or two dominant players, instead opting for a balanced approach that brings out the best in each individual.

Mourinho's strategy seems to be paying off, with the team showing a renewed sense of purpose and cohesion. The players appear more confident and comfortable in their roles, allowing them to express themselves on the pitch. This is evident in the way they are creating scoring opportunities and putting pressure on opponents.

The clásico win over Barcelona was a significant turning point for Madrid, marking a shift in their fortunes under Mourinho's guidance. Since then, they have continued to impress with a string of wins that has lifted them up the table. Their fans, who had been patiently waiting for results, are now singing from the rooftops.

The team's improved performance is not just about individual brilliance, but also about the way they work together as a unit. Mourinho's emphasis on teamwork and strategy seems to be paying dividends, with Madrid becoming increasingly difficult to beat. They have found a winning formula that is yielding results on the pitch.

With their confidence boosted and momentum building, Real Madrid look like a team on the rise, capable of challenging for major honors in the coming months.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/26/mourinhos-plan-comes-together-as-real-madrid-relaunch-with-clasico-statement

The hosts got off to a strong start with Marten de Roon scoring the opening goal, but Real Madrid levelled the scores before halftime thanks to Kylian Mbappe's strike on his 100th Champions League appearance. This parity was short-lived as Roma regained the lead early in the second half through two goals from Donyell Malen within a six-minute span.

The Italian side seemed poised for victory with their two-goal cushion, but Real Madrid had other plans as they scored three goals in quick succession towards the end of the match. These late strikes came courtesy of corners, with Carlos Espi, Endrick, and Antonio Rudiger finding the back of the net to turn the game around.

Roma's manager Jose Mourinho was the subject of a warm reception from the home crowd, who honored him with banners and chants in recognition of his achievements during his two-and-a-half-year tenure at the club. During this period, he led Roma to the UEFA Conference League title and an Europa League final.

The Stadio Olimpico was electric as Mourinho's former team took on Real Madrid, and the hosts started strongly with Mario Hermoso forcing Thibaut Courtois into a spectacular save early in the match.

Roma's momentum continued into the second half, with the hosts pushing hard for a second goal. However, Real Madrid capitalized on a moment of defensive complacency in the 25th minute, when Mbappe's deflected shot beat Pau Lopez and found the top corner.

The equalizer sparked a significant shift in the match's dynamics, as Roma's intensity began to wane slightly, while Real Madrid sensed an opportunity to take control. The visitors twice came close to scoring before the break, with Marc Cucurella and Jude Bellingham both testing Pau Lopez with shots on goal.

The second half saw a marked increase in pace, with both teams creating chances but neither able to find a breakthrough. Roma's high-intensity approach had clearly taken its toll, as they began to tire in the face of Real Madrid's relentless pressure.

Real Madrid's equalizer seemed to lift the team's spirits, and they began to push forward with renewed confidence. The visitors' momentum was building, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the match.

As the match progressed, Roma continued to capitalize on Real's mistakes, regaining the lead when Malen was fed a pass by Rodrigo Mora at halftime. The substitute played a clever ball to Malen, who took it in his stride with ease and dispatched it over Courtois' head with precision.

Just six minutes later, Malen scored again, this time racing onto a through ball that he powered home, despite initially being flagged for offside. A VAR review confirmed the goal, giving Roma a two-goal cushion and putting Real under pressure to respond.

Real's response was immediate, with Mbappe testing Pierluigi Gollini twice in quick succession. However, his second effort was ruled out for offside, denying him what would have been his second goal of the night.

But set pieces proved to be the turning point in the match, as Real began to find a way back into the game. Espi scored from close range after heading a corner, before Endrick powered home another header just two minutes later, pulling one back for Real and setting up an extraordinary finale to the match.

The Ukrainian champions' fans made their presence felt at Stamford Bridge, creating an electric atmosphere as Shakhtar Donetsk took on AEK Athens in the Champions League.

A sea of blue-and-yellow national flags waved through the tunnel as the team emerged to face off against the Greek side. The match got underway with both teams looking to assert themselves, but it was AEK Athens that broke the deadlock in the 28th minute thanks to a goal from Lovro Majer.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Pedrinho levelled the score just six minutes later by confidently converting a penalty kick. The game remained evenly poised until Vinicius Tobias found the net with about 10 minutes of normal time remaining, his goal coming from a tight angle.

Shakhtar's comeback continued when substitute Gleiker Mendoza sealed the win for the Ukrainian side, smashing home after cutting in from the left to make the score safe.

Aston Villa secured their biggest European victory to date by thrashing Fenerbahce 6-0 at Villa Park.

Nicolas Jackson was instrumental in the win, scoring twice before halftime, and he was aided by Johan Manzambi's early opener. Ross Barkley added two more goals in the second half, while Tammy Abraham sealed the rout with a late strike.

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During the World Cup, England often relied on moments of individual brilliance to secure victories, rather than dominating games through methodical tactics. This unpredictability was a hallmark of their campaign, and it's clear that Tuchel has been thinking about how to bring more cohesion to his team.

Tuchel and his assistant coach Anthony Barry have long spoken about the importance of learning from Premier League teams, and it seems they're putting this theory into practice. By borrowing ideas from England's domestic league, they're looking to create a more balanced and effective unit.

One key area where Tuchel is experimenting with new approaches is in England's build-up play. Rather than relying on two central defenders and a holding midfielder to control the tempo of the game, he's committed an extra player to this role. This has seen England focus on playing short from the back, drawing opponents towards them before quickly releasing the ball into space.

The results have been mixed so far, with some games seeing England execute these tactics to great effect and others struggling to find consistency. It's clear that Tuchel is still working out the kinks in his system, but it's an intriguing development nonetheless.

England has experimented with different midfield combinations in Tuchel's system, often deploying two central midfielders alongside a back three.

In Declan Rice's absence, Alex Scott and Myles Lewis-Skelly have shared the role of busy partner for Elliot Anderson, allowing him to showcase his technical quality and ability to control the tempo of the game.

Anderson has taken on a more varied role, dropping into the back three with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, where he's been able to use his forward passing skills to quickly find attackers.

This shift in midfield dynamics has given Anderson time and space on the ball, allowing him to make runs forward and create scoring opportunities for England.

As a result of this new midfield setup, England have shown increased intensity when attacking, with their midfielders making more forward passes and creating scoring chances.

England's new midfield setup has allowed for an increased intensity when attacking, but this is not the only change that has contributed to their improved performance.

In addition to the high-energy pressing and counter-pressing that was already a hallmark of England's game, they have now added another layer of intensity in possession. This is evident in the number of high-intensity runs made by England's players, as well as their investment in counter-pressing.

Anderson's ability to excel at counter-pressing is just one example of how individual players have adapted to this new approach. However, it is the collective changes that have had a more significant impact on England's increased intensity in possession.

In the World Cup, England employed a 4-3-3 system on paper, but their actual formation was slightly different. A triangle formed by the two centre-backs and holding midfielder provided stability at the back, while another triangle on each flank consisted of a central midfielder, full-back, and winger.

This system has provided England with an extra layer of defensive solidity by having more players around the ball, enabling them to press with greater intensity and win it back quickly.

The overloading on one side creates space on the other, allowing England to switch the point of attack and catch opponents off guard. This has resulted in unmarked players being left open for England to exploit.

England's team has shown a notable ability to adapt and change their approach mid-game. They have successfully overloaded the left flank, drawing opponents towards that side and creating opportunities on the opposite side.

The system has allowed Lewis Hall to take up a wide position frequently, freeing up his winger to move in-field and play closer to the striker. This has enabled him to develop a strong understanding with former club team-mate Anthony Gordon.

Tuchel highlighted England's use of 'counter-movements' as an area where they have improved significantly. The swapping and replacing of zones between Hall and Gordon are a prime example of this strategy in action.

The partnership between Kane and Gordon has been particularly effective, with the Barcelona winger often being released in behind before crossing into the box. However, England's wide overloads have allowed him to play more centrally for longer periods, working closely with Kane to create scoring opportunities.

The narrow runs made by Gordon from his starting position on the wing have been a key feature of England's recent games under Tuchel.

This tactic has allowed him to exploit the space created by Kane dropping deep, pulling defenders out of position and opening up opportunities for counter-attacks.

Gordon is not the first player to benefit from this approach, with Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers having previously found success in exploiting the space left behind by Kane's movement.

However, Gordon's runs have been particularly effective, allowing him to make a significant impact on the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been used in a wider position, with Saka often being pushed inside to play off him. This move has given England a new attacking dimension and allowed them to stretch their opponents' defenses.

Alexander-Arnold's presence out wide has also created space for others to make runs into the box, including Gordon who has benefited from his crosses into the box.

Despite his talents, Alexander-Arnold has found it difficult to secure a regular spot in Tuchel's starting lineup.

As the England team continues to evolve under Thomas Tuchel's guidance, it has become clear that individual talent is not enough to secure a starting spot in his lineup.

Against Croatia and in other games, Bukayo Saka's role has been adapted to suit the team's needs, with him being deployed in central areas when the width is covered by another player, but moving out wide when that player takes on a more central position. His teammate, Jude Quansah, has consistently made runs beyond his winger, creating space and opportunities for Saka.

Despite these adjustments, Trent Alexander-Arnold's displays on the ball have caught the eye of coaches and fans alike, with promising signs of off-ball movement also evident. However, it appears that Tuchel is prioritizing the implementation of a cohesive system over individual talent alone.

The team's new approach emphasizes the importance of a well-structured system, one that has been missing in England teams of the past who were criticized for being comprised of world-class individuals without a unified playing style.

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The team has been analyzing every detail from the semi-final finish at the World Cup to see what will give them an edge over their opponents. Barry, who works closely with head coach Thomas Tuchel, has been pouring over the data and discussions have become so intense that he's even joking about driving his boss mad.

A key element in unlocking England's full potential is creating a more fluid structure on the pitch. This new approach gives their top players the freedom to express themselves without being constrained by rigid formations or positions.

The benefits of this system were evident in Saturday's match, where Jude Bellingham played with increased liberty, drifting and overloading on either flank as he often had possession of the ball.

In his No 10 role, Bellingham was able to utilize his skills more effectively, and Barry believes that this liberation is essential for England's top players to reach their full potential.

Bellingham's versatility is well-documented, having played various roles for his club and country.

His ability to adapt and thrive in different positions has been a hallmark of his game, and it's an aspect that England's coaches are now capitalizing on.

The more fluid structure of the team allows Bellingham to play from instinct rather than being confined to a specific role. This freedom has brought out the best in him, with Barry attributing his success to this approach.

The challenge for England lies in finding a balance between harnessing Bellingham's abilities and giving him the space to operate freely within a game.

The shift towards a more fluid England team has allowed Jude Bellingham to thrive by giving him the freedom to operate within a game.

In the recent match against Croatia, it was clear that the team's blueprint involved players venturing into new zones, with full-backs positioned high up the pitch and wingers making runs off the sides.

This approach emphasizes combinations between players, prioritizing slick passing while also encouraging individuals to drop into unusual areas for cover. Footballing intelligence is key in maintaining the overall structure of the team.

The intensity of England's counterpress was a notable feature of the match, with players working together to regain possession within seconds of losing it. This pressure overwhelmed Croatia, particularly in the first half when England scored four goals.

The management hopes that this proactive approach will drive the team forward in the coming tournament cycle, as they face Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday night. The new style is no longer strictly positional, instead offering a more freewheeling approach to the game.

The England team's new approach has led to a more flexible and dynamic style of play, says coach Barry.

This shift towards fluidity is anchored by key principles that guide player movement and decision-making on the field.

With a talented group of players, the team has been able to quickly adapt to this new model, which emphasizes interchanging positions and creating space for individual creativity.

Harry Kane is set to equal a significant England record on Tuesday night when he wins his 125th cap. This milestone comes as a testament to his dedication and leadership qualities that have made him an integral part of the team.

Barry's praise for Kane is unwavering, highlighting his exceptional ball-striking skills, which Barry rates as the best among any player he has worked with. His experience in managing Portugal and working alongside Cristiano Ronaldo adds credibility to his assessment.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/05/jude-awakening-how-a-more-fluid-england-are-unlocking-bellinghams-full-potential

The 23-year-old Real Madrid player had been left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in October 2025, prompting speculation about his future with the national team. However, Bellingham ultimately made it to the tournament and proved himself as a vital asset for England, contributing significantly to their third-place finish at the World Cup.

Bellingham has already demonstrated his world-class abilities through outstanding performances for both club and country. His recent display against Croatia in the Nations League was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in England's 7-0 victory - a result that saw Croatia suffer their worst defeat in history.

In this match, Bellingham not only scored but also provided three assists, showcasing his exceptional skill and vision on the pitch. He even had the honor of wearing the captain's armband for part of the game, highlighting his leadership qualities as well.

Bellingham's impressive performance on the pitch has not gone unnoticed by former football stars. Roy Keane, a renowned figure in the sport, praised Bellingham's skills, highlighting his exceptional running power and goal threat.

Keane was not alone in his admiration for the young player; Matt Upson, a former England defender, also sang Bellingham's praises. Upson recently voted him England's player of the year for the second consecutive year, which is a testament to his exceptional skills on the field.

Bellingham's impressive performance has earned him a spot as the team's number 10 in the future, according to Upson. This is not surprising given his fantastic display in possession and his ability to lift other players with his work rate off the ball.

England's front four, which includes Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon, also deserves praise for their role in demolishing the Croatian backline. The quartet's impressive performance saw Kane and Saka each score twice, while Gordon added a goal and an assist to the team's tally.

As England's match against Croatia continued, Harry Kane made history by scoring twice, but it was Jude Bellingham who caught attention for his impressive performance in front of goal.

Bellingham took on a more prominent role after Kane was rested with 20 minutes remaining, and it highlighted the young midfielder's importance as a leader within the squad. His display showcased every aspect of his game, leaving fans and pundits alike to take notice.

Former England striker Ian Wright praised Bellingham for his relentless drive and technical ability, noting that he is always involved in everything on the pitch. Wright specifically commended Bellingham's athleticism, intensity, and tendency to get into scoring positions unmarked.

Bellingham's impressive performance also marked a new milestone for him as a player. He became the first England player since Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2021 to record three assists in a single game against Croatia.

Tuchel was asked about Bellingham's display, and his response hinted that he may have reached another level of performance.

The manager's comments suggest that Bellingham has indeed reached a new level of performance, and it is up to him to continue pushing forward.

Tuchel emphasized the importance of constant improvement, stating that teams will inevitably catch up if players stand still. He also revealed that he made adjustments after England's World Cup semi-final loss, giving his players more responsibility, including Bellingham.

The impact of these changes was evident in the match, as Bellingham assisted Bukayo Saka's goal with a precise cross and received praise from his teammate for being "special" on the pitch.

BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cv5yn8znyx2ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss