pReal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has raised the stakes ahead of the Madrid derby, expressing confidence in his team's mental strength despite inconsistent performances in recent weeks./ppReal enter the derby two points behind Atletico after six league matches, while Barcelona sit three points ahead of Madrid, adding early significance to the battle near the top of La Liga./ppAtletico coach Diego Simeone stressed the need to control possession to limit Real Madrid's counter-attacking threat, while Julian Alvarez is expected to be available again after fitness concerns./p
La Liga#Real Madrid
Mourinho Raises Madrid Derby Stakes as Simeone Awaits Alvarez Return
Mourinho backs Real Madrid's mentality before the derby as Simeone prepares for Alvarez's expected return.
By Khaled Abd Elsattar
