Mourinho Wants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to Drop Points

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Key Takeaways

Mourinho’s preference: The Real Madrid manager wants both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to drop points in their upcoming La Liga meeting.
Barcelona lead the table: The supplied standings place Barcelona first with 30 points from 11 matches.
Atlético Madrid are second: Simeone’s team have 28 points, just one ahead of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are third: Mourinho’s side have 27 points and could benefit if both title rivals draw.
Important title-race fixture: Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will meet at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on November 8, 2026, according to the supplied report.
Mourinho respects Ronaldo’s decision: He believes the Portuguese forward’s international retirement should be respected.
Ronaldo has not ended his club career: Mourinho believes the 41-year-old still has ambitions to fulfil with Al-Nassr.
A separate international milestone: Ronaldo’s reported decision marks the end of his 23-year international career with Portugal.

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has revealed that he would prefer both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to lose points when the two Spanish rivals meet in La Liga on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The highly anticipated encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano could have significant implications for the title race, with Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid separated by just three points in the supplied standings.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Mourinho admitted that he would like to see both title contenders suffer defeat, although he acknowledged that a draw would be the most favourable outcome for Real Madrid.

Mourinho Wants Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to Drop Points

Mourinho made his preference clear when discussing Sunday’s meeting between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.

The Portuguese manager joked that he would ideally want both teams to lose, but recognised that this was impossible. He added that the points dropped by the two sides would represent positive news for Real Madrid.

Reacting to the upcoming encounter, Mourinho said:

“Atletico vs Barcelona? I’d like both of them to lose,” Mourinho stated. “Unfortunately, that’s not possible. Points will inevitably be dropped, and that’s the best possible news.”

The comments reflect Real Madrid’s interest in the outcome of a fixture involving two of their closest competitors in the La Liga title race.

With both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid currently ahead of Real Madrid, any dropped points could provide Mourinho’s side with an opportunity to reduce the gap.

How the Atlético-Barcelona Result Could Affect Real Madrid’s Title Hopes

According to Fabrizio Romano, who shared Mourinho’s comments on X on November 6, Barcelona currently lead the La Liga standings with 30 points from 11 matches.

Atlético Madrid occupy second position with 28 points, while Real Madrid are third with 27 points.

The standings make Sunday’s meeting particularly important for the title race.

A draw would mean that Barcelona and Atlético Madrid both drop points, potentially giving Real Madrid an opportunity to move closer to the top of the table if they secure victory in their own next fixture.

However, the result alone would not guarantee a change at the top. Real Madrid would still need to take advantage of the opportunity by winning their match.

For Mourinho, therefore, the meeting between the two Madrid and Barcelona rivals presents an important opportunity to benefit from any points dropped by the teams above his side.

Simeone and Flick Prepare for Important La Liga Encounter

Atlético Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, will welcome Hansi Flick’s Barcelona to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for a fixture that could influence the direction of the title race.

Both managers will be eager to secure maximum points, particularly with their teams occupying the first and second positions in the supplied league standings.

Barcelona will be looking to protect their position at the top, while Atlético Madrid have an opportunity to close the gap and potentially strengthen their challenge for the championship.

The outcome will also be closely followed by Real Madrid, who will be hoping that the contest produces a result favourable to their own title ambitions.

Mourinho Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s International Retirement

Away from the La Liga title race, Mourinho has also reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported decision to end his international career after 23 years representing Portugal.

The former Real Madrid manager said Ronaldo’s decision deserved respect but stressed that it should not be mistaken for the end of the forward’s professional football career.

Mourinho believes the 41-year-old still has personal ambitions to fulfil, particularly with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Reacting to the development, Mourinho said:

“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it. He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho said.

Mourinho’s comments suggest that he believes Ronaldo remains motivated to continue playing despite his reported decision to step away from international football.

Mourinho Believes Ronaldo Still Has More to Achieve

Mourinho previously coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, giving him considerable experience of working with the Portuguese forward.

During their time together in Spain, the two shared a period of Ronaldo’s professional career before Mourinho moved on from the club.

The former Real Madrid manager believes Ronaldo still has ambitions to accomplish with Al-Nassr and does not regard his international retirement as the conclusion of his playing journey.

Mourinho also expressed hope that Ronaldo would choose a different occasion to announce his eventual retirement from professional football.

Ronaldo’s reported decision therefore marks a significant development in his international career, while leaving his future at club level as a separate matter.

What Happens Next for Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo?

The Atlético Madrid versus Barcelona encounter will provide an important moment in the La Liga title race, particularly for Real Madrid as they look to close the gap on the teams above them.

A draw would suit Mourinho’s preferred scenario, although Real Madrid must also deliver a positive result in their own fixture to benefit from any dropped points.

Meanwhile, attention will remain on Ronaldo’s next chapter with Al-Nassr following his reported decision to end his international career.

Mourinho’s reaction makes his position clear: he respects Ronaldo’s decision but believes the forward still has professional ambitions to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does José Mourinho want Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to lose?

Mourinho wants both clubs to drop points because they are ahead of Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. A draw between the two sides would allow both teams to surrender points, potentially benefiting Real Madrid if they win their next match.

2. When will Barcelona play Atlético Madrid?

According to the supplied report, Barcelona are scheduled to face Atlético Madrid on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

3. How many points does Barcelona have in La Liga?

The supplied report states that Barcelona lead the standings with 30 points from 11 matches.

4. Where are Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid in the La Liga table?

Atlético Madrid are second with 28 points, while Real Madrid occupy third position with 27 points, according to the supplied standings.

5. What did Mourinho say about the Barcelona versus Atlético Madrid match?

Mourinho said he would like both teams to lose, although he acknowledged that this was impossible. He added that points being dropped by the two clubs would be positive news for Real Madrid.

6. What did José Mourinho say about Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement?

Mourinho said Ronaldo’s decision to end his international career should be respected. However, he stressed that the forward had not ended his professional career and still had goals to achieve.

7. Has Cristiano Ronaldo retired from professional football?

The supplied report concerns Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football with Portugal. It does not state that he has ended his professional club career.