Mourinho admits Real Madrid struggle to control matches ahead of derby

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has acknowledged a specific weakness in his team's play ahead of Sunday's La Liga derby against city rivals Atletico Madrid, stating that the squad currently does not know how to control matches.

The admission comes just days before one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Spanish football calendar, a derby that traditionally carries significance beyond the standard three league points, given the rivalry between the two Madrid clubs.

Ahead of the derby

Mourinho's comment suggests the coaching staff has identified issues in how the team manages the tempo and flow of games, a factor that can prove decisive in high-stakes encounters such as this one. Such candid remarks from a manager before a major derby are relatively uncommon and could be read as an attempt to manage expectations, ease pressure on players, or draw attention to areas requiring improvement before kickoff.

No further details have been made public regarding which specific tactical elements are causing concern, nor has any information emerged about potential lineup changes for the match. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this acknowledged shortcoming plays out on the pitch on Sunday.

The Atletico Madrid–Real Madrid clash is being framed as an important test for both sides in the current La Liga season, with the result likely to have implications for the wider title and standings race as the campaign progresses.

Both clubs will be looking to assert dominance in a fixture that carries substantial weight for supporters and for each team's momentum heading into the coming weeks of competition.