Sports
Mourinho Wants Atletico and Barcelona to Lose Ahead of Riyadh Air Metropolitano Clash
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said he would prefer both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to lose when they meet at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday. “Atletico vs Barcelona? I’d like both of them to lose,” Mourinho told X on Friday. “Unfortunately that’s not possible. Points will inevitably be dropped, and that’s the best possible news.” The comment comes as Barcelona sit top of the table with 30 points from 11 games, two points ahead of Atletico Madrid (28 points) and three ahead of Real Madrid (27 points). A win for either side would strengthen their title credentials, while a draw would mean both drop points, benefiting Madrid’s challenge. The match, one of the biggest of the season so far, pits Diego Simeone’s solid Atletico side against Hansi Flick’s free‑scoring Barcelona. Both teams are in strong form, making Mourinho’s wish for mutual disappointment difficult to fulfil. Kick‑off is set for 21:00 local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Mourinho also responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from the Portugal national team. “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,” he said. Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo during their successful spell together at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, stressed that the 41‑year‑old’s exit from international football does not mark the end of his playing days. He added that he hopes Ronaldo’s eventual full retirement as a player will come on a different kind of day from the one on which he announced his departure from the national team. Ronaldo confirmed his retirement from Portugal duty on Thursday after 23 years, following a period of tension with national team coach Jorge Jesus. Mourinho declined to assess the circumstances of the decision in detail, focusing instead on respect for Ronaldo’s choice and the forward’s remaining ambitions at club level with Al‑Nassr.