Mourinho has made a strong start in his second spell with Real Madrid, leading them to a 2-1 win over Espanyol before thumping Real Sociedad and Málaga.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has said their local rivals, Atlético Madrid, are not in the league to make up the numbers, but are competing to lift the La Liga trophy at the end of the season.
The Portuguese tactician made this known on Thursday while speaking to the media ahead of his team’s next league game against Real Betis.
Real Madrid have made a strong start to the season, beginning with a 2-1 win over Espanyol before defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 and Málaga 4-0.
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That leaves Los Blancos joint-top with titleholders Barcelona, who have also won all three of their opening 2026–27 La Liga fixtures, scoring 12 goals and conceding only 2 in the process.
However, Mourinho said he expects Atlético Madrid, who have won two games and drawn one, to be in the mix for the title at the end of the season.
Speaking during his pre-match conference, he said: “La Liga won’t be easy. I think Atlético Madrid will be there too.
“Even if they don’t say it publicly, they’ll feel they can. For me, they’re also contenders.”
