Real Madrid lost at Santiago Bernabeu for the second time in a week. After Wednesday’s 3-0 Clasico loss to rivals Barcelona in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, Los Blancos went down to Barca again three days later.
Speaking to media, former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said Santiago Solari’s men playing too soft. It is not like playing the national derby.
“This is not a pleasant performance, nor a performance of a happy team. This is not a performance of a team with great conviction and self-esteem. Very obviously, after some bad results, Real Madrid is at a low point after it was defeated by the cup.” said Mourinho.
“They can’t bring the ‘temperature’ of the contest I often say to the game. They are passive. I can’t say they are bad because they don’t play well, I think they just played too soft.
“You can get positive results if you play for the middle of the team. But for the top teams, if you want to win, you need to do more.” Mourinho added.
Madrid defender Sergio Ramos awarded red car by the referee. The 32-year-old defender appeared to deliberately trip to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi with a trailing leg before soon catching the Argentine with a flailing left elbow as the forward came to tackle him. However, Mourinho backs his former at Madrid.
“For me it’s not a red card at all. I don’t think probably not even a yellow card. I think he comes with a different aggression because he wants, in my opinion, to change something that is wrong.” Mourinho said.
Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal of the game as Barcelona beat Real Madrid. (Source:www.theirishtimes.com)
“The temperature of the game was perfect for Barcelona. They had the ball, they had the result, they move the ball.
“The Real Madrid midfielder was playing zonal, never putting pressure on Busquets, he was playing completely free.
“On the goal, Ramos has to step up to come to Rakitic, why? Because the midfield players don’t put pressure on Rakitic. And then he scored in the space behind. Not enough pressure.” Portuguese manager added.
