‘This is the only Clasico’ – Mourinho’s Real trying to stop Barca’s shot at history
Barcelona are chasing a record 10th straight win to open a La Liga season when they face Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday. Real, whose own 1968-69 record would be surpassed, will try to halt the run after Barcelona’s 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Jose Mourinho said the Clasico stands apart from other matches and that Real will not overhaul their approach just to contain Lamine Yamal. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said his players were ready but must improve the defensive weaknesses exposed by PSG. Real are third, six points behind Barcelona, and will be without the suspended Vinicius Jr; Kylian Mbappe has scored 12 goals in 12 appearances this season.
In short
- Barcelona can set a new record with a 10th straight league win.
- Real Madrid are six points behind and aim to end the run.
- Mbappe has 12 goals; Vinicius Jr is suspended.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Barcelona have earned the chance to pursue the record through a remarkable winning run, and a victory would underline their strong start and resilience after the defeat by PSG. Flick’s emphasis on fixing defensive weaknesses suggests the team can treat that loss as a lesson while continuing to play to its strengths.
The case against
Real Madrid have a strong case for sticking to their own approach in a match they regard as uniquely important, rather than reshaping the team solely to contain one opponent. Ending Barcelona’s run would defend Real’s historic record and could narrow the six-point gap; despite Vinicius Jr’s suspension, Mbappe’s scoring form gives them grounds for confidence.