Mourinho sets Madrid sights on qualification, not UCL glory

Qualification remains the primary objective for Real Madrid in the current Champions League campaign, according to manager Jose Mourinho. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s home fixture against RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Portuguese coach dismissed speculation that his squad is currently a favorite to lift the European trophy.

Focus on securing knockout berth

Mourinho stressed that the immediate priority is reaching the necessary points threshold to advance to the next phase. He explicitly rejected the notion that winning three consecutive matches guarantees success in the fourth. "Madrid, at this moment, doesn’t have the goal of winning the Champions," he stated via the club’s official website. "Right now, the goal is to qualify."

The manager highlighted the importance of avoiding the play-off round, which Los Blancos contested last season. He noted that these additional fixtures bring significant tension and responsibility. Mourinho indicated that accumulating many points will likely be required to bypass this stage entirely. The team aims first to reach eleven points to secure qualification, then push for a top-eight finish.

Leipzig threat underestimated

Despite Leipzig’s recent heavy defeat to Bayern Munich, Mourinho warned against complacency. He described the German side as dangerous, citing their victory over PSV and their own desire to qualify. "Leipzig is not the team that lost so badly in Munich," Mourinho said. "It’s the team that beat PSV, that has three points, and that wants to qualify."

Real Madrid enters the third matchday with momentum from three straight wins across all competitions. While Mourinho praised the complete performance in their latest outing, he insisted past results offer no assurances for the upcoming clash. The squad must maintain focus and earn the three points on the pitch rather than assuming an easy test.

Current standings and schedule

Los Blancos currently occupy ninth place in the Champions League league table. They have accumulated six points from two matches, following victories against Inter Milan and AS Roma. A win against Leipzig would significantly improve their standing in the group stage.

Following the European assignment, the team’s attention will shift to domestic competition. Mourinho’s side faces a major La Liga encounter: El Clasico against Barcelona.