13-YEAR LONGING ENDS: MOURINHO IN MADRID DERBY

Breaths were held in the Spanish La Liga and eyes turned to the giant Madrid derby to be played today. World-famous Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho completed all his preparations to take the stage again in this historical rivalry after a long break of exactly thirteen years. According to statistics, exactly 4894 days passed since the experienced coach managed a Madrid derby in the top league in Spain. This historical separation that lasted for many years officially ended with the tough Atletico Madrid away game to be played today. Preparing his team for this giant struggle with an intense tempo throughout the week, Mourinho conveyed the importance and seriousness of the derby to his players in tactical training. This massive return, awaited with great curiosity in the football world, created great excitement in both the Spanish and international sports media. While the fans expected Mourinho to reflect his passionate and competitive identity on the pitch just like in the old days, the Atletico Madrid side also took its precautions for this tough appointment. The experienced manager, who breathed that unique atmosphere of the Madrid derby again after years, made assertive statements at the press conference held before the match and expressed his confidence in his team. Extraordinary security measures were taken around the stadium before this historical competition bringing the two arch-rivals face to face. Football fans literally counted the hours for the starting whistle of this special match where Mourinho ended his thirteen-year derby longing.

IMAGE: LA RAZON