Soccer1h ago
Mourinho's Madrid Narrows Gap After Clásico Success
Late substitute impact and improved bench management help close the deficit to three points in the league
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Camavinga Delivers Key Moment
Real Madrid reduced their deficit to three points after a substitute changed the outcome at Camp Nou. With the team trailing in the standings by as much as nine points after ten matches, the midfielder entered in the 80th minute and set up the winner seven minutes later. This result marked the 13th game of the season in which Madrid scored in the final ten minutes and the 13th occasion a replacement contributed a goal or assist.
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
The 63-year-old coach showed sharper decision-making by deploying resources effectively in the closing stages. Earlier matches revealed a pattern of limited trust in the bench, including instances where only three changes were made by the 82nd minute or where not all five available substitutions were used across six of the first 13 games. The recent approach allowed the team to maintain pressure and capitalize on fresh legs.
Broader Squad Strength Emerges
Madrid now sits three points behind the leaders while remaining level at the top of the Champions League phase. The pattern of late contributions highlights the value of squad depth, fitness support and collective motivation. While questions remain about earlier conservative selections, the shift toward more assertive use of replacements has produced stronger results in recent fixtures.
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