Real Madrid Relying on Mourinho to Overtake Barcelona

In Spain, Real Madrid initiated a significant rebuilding effort after two seasons without a major title, marked by the return of José Mourinho and several summer signings, aiming to dethrone FC Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, from the Spanish champion throne. Published on: 19/08/2026 - 15:26, modified on: 20/08/2026 - 10:27.

José Mourinho, back at Real Madrid, supervised a training session for his players at the club's sports complex in Valdebebas near Madrid on July 24, 2026. Thirteen years after his first term, the "Special One" returned to Madrid with a similar mission: to stop the dominance of FC Barcelona, the reigning double Spanish champion, and help the Madrid club to win again. Tasked with restoring order in a fractured locker room and rebuilding a competitive team, the 63-year-old Portuguese technician, known for his volcanic temperament and leadership skills, had new tools at his disposal to replicate the feat he achieved in 2012: a Liga title won with 100 points and 121 goals scored.

Before his league debut, the Madrid club already completed its most expensive transfer window since 2021, signing 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé, World Cup champion Marc Cucurella from Spain, French defender Ibrahim Konaté, Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries, and young Spanish forward Carlos Espi. The preseason matches gave an initial glimpse into what Mourinho's new squad would look like: more aggressive, sharper, and more vertical than in recent seasons, with French forward Kylian Mbappé projected as a key weapon.

However, the former Chelsea and Inter manager faces similar dilemmas to his predecessors Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Alvaro Arbeloa, all of whom struggled to balance playing style with the three superstars: Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham.

Across the field, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, appeared confident in their collective strength and an ultra-offensive playing style that has triumphed in the last two seasons, led by Pedri's technical mastery and Lamine Yamal's genius. To this already well-oiled symphony, the Catalan club added the captain of the Spanish national team, Rodri, recently acquired from their Madrid rivals. The impending arrival of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, who was also the best player at the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2024, promises to bring size, experience, and numerous recovered balls to the young Barcelona roster, which is still awaiting a new number 9 after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

For their Liga debut this weekend against Elche, Barcelona will have to rely on their other summer recruits: English winger Anthony Gordon, German Karim Adeyemi, and 18-year-old Belgian prospect Jesse Bisiwu, to support Brazilian captain Raphinha.

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid, still in the shadow of the two giants despite hefty investments over the past three years and a takeover by American fund Apollo Sports Capital, needed to learn to cope without Antoine Griezmann, their hero and all-time top scorer, who left for an American dream in Orlando. The Atlético Madrid, now without Griezmann, had entrusted young Carlos Martin with dominating OM at the Vélodrome on August 14, 2026. A potential departure of Alvarez would complicate matters for the Colchoneros, who have nevertheless splurged on several reinforcements: South Korean Kang-in Lee, Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, and Argentine defender Cristian Romero. Beyond names, Diego Simeone's men must show much greater consistency than last season if they realistically hope to compete with their two rivals, who finished respectively 25 and 17 points ahead of the Rojiblanco, who were also outperformed on the podium by Villarreal.