Real Madrid arrive at El Clasico with genuine momentum after a difficult start to the season, but the gap to Barcelona remains a pressing concern. Four consecutive victories across La Liga and the Champions League, capped by a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig, have restored confidence at the Bernabeu after a run that included defeats to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid. The turnaround has been sharp, but third place and 21 points still leaves Mourinho's side six points adrift of the leaders heading into Sunday's fixture at Camp Nou.

The squad arrives in Catalonia with significant absences. Vinicius Junior is serving a four-match domestic ban, ruling him out of the Clasico entirely. The Brazilian has also struggled for form regardless, failing to score in nine consecutive appearances this season. Mourinho has publicly backed him, praising his defensive work against Leipzig, while Kylian Mbappe urged his teammate to stay calm and trust his quality. Both endorsements reflect a dressing room that appears settled despite the external pressure.

Off the pitch, a dressing room altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde from last May resurfaced publicly. Tchouameni addressed the incident directly, denying any physical confrontation and insisting the pair have since grown closer. Mourinho has also framed his project as a work in progress, arguing it is unfair to compare his squad at this early stage to a Barcelona side that has had considerably longer to build under Hansi Flick. A win on Sunday would dramatically reshape the title race.