Mourinho calls three away trips in seven days a test for Real Madrid

Three away trips in seven days

Real Madrid begin a run of three away matches in seven days on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at Racing Santander in El Sardinero, before travelling to Athens and Valencia. Mourinho, speaking at a press conference at Valdebebas, described the schedule as a gift from LaLiga or the broadcasters that the squad has to face. He said the Valencia fixture should have been played on a Sunday but will now be played on Saturday, which removes two days of recovery from the stretch. The coach called four consecutive away matches an almost unique situation and framed the run as a test of resilience and patience. He also noted that AEK Athens are due to play a derby against Panathinaikos on the day Madrid face Racing, leaving AEK either happy or in crisis.

Racing and the Sunday fixture

Racing have not lost at home this season and, since their promotion, have played five matches, winning three and drawing two. Mourinho described a team playing well with a strong bond to its supporters and warned that Racing will come out to win. He also pointed to the Sunday afternoon slot, which he said Madrid are no longer used to. In his view the win over Barcelona at the Camp Nou only keeps its full meaning if Madrid win again, since those points would lose value if they are dropped now.

Wins3

Draws2

Wins

3 matches

Draws

2 matches

Data from the article text

Mbappé, China and the Ballon d'Or

China has decided not to broadcast Real Madrid matches and has left Kylian Mbappé without three sponsors. Mourinho said that sometimes the best course is not to open your mouth, called the situation a real danger, and said he saw Mbappé act responsibly. He added that both the club and the player responded immediately and that he felt represented by them. On the Ballon d'Or, Harry Kane won the 2026 award, Mbappé finished second in what La Vanguardia describes as the closest margin in the award's history, and Jude Bellingham placed 11th. Mourinho said he was happy for Kane, whom he has coached, and that Bellingham's 11th place surprised him.

Squad selection and Vinícius

Fede Valverde has moved ahead of Dumfries and Trent at right-back, and Mourinho said the decision was made for the team rather than for the players' feelings. Vinícius is serving a suspension, and Mourinho said he wants and needs the forward but that this does not mean he will start. The coach said that knowing the starting XI by heart is very difficult in today's game. Asked whether he has become more cautious, Mourinho said he is more balanced and unaffected by criticism. He pointed to the defensive side of his first spell, the 100-point team, as the model he would like to match this season.

Condolences for Urda

Before turning to football, Mourinho offered condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the rail accident in Urda, Toledo. He spoke in his own name and on behalf of everyone who works for Real Madrid. He sent a hug, his feelings and his heart to those affected. The condolences were the first words he gave at the press conference.