Barcelona and Real Madrid are scheduled to play a Clasico match on Sunday. Barcelona currently leads Madrid by 6 points in the league standings.
The Catalan side suffered their first defeat of the season against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on 21 October. During that match, Barcelona shipped 4 goals against PSG.
Coach Hansi Flick noted, "We made too many mistakes, especially in ball possession, easy ball losses." Flick added, "We have to understand the mistakes happen because (players) are not fresh. What they had to do the last couple of weeks is unbelievable."
Despite the loss, Barcelona has scored at least 2 goals in every match this season and has averaged over 4 goals a game. Raphinha is the league's top scorer with 12 goals.
Raphinha stated, "Our unbeaten run (domestically) is still intact, and we'll do everything we can to keep it that way." Madrid won 4 consecutive matches, including a victory over RB Leipzig on 22 October.
Kylian Mbappe has scored 9 goals for Madrid, while Lamine Yamal has scored 8 goals. Vinicius Junior is suspended for the Clasico.
The Spanish daily AS reported that "Vinicius's four-match suspension was seen within Madrid more as a solution than a problem." Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso as Madrid coach, who was ousted little over 2 months after his arrival.
Madrid finished a second straight season without winning a major trophy, whereas Barcelona retained the Spanish title last season. Madrid won the first meeting against Barcelona last season.
Vinicius Junior reacted outrageously at being substituted last season. Barcelona's squad faces several absences, including Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen who are sidelined with injuries, while Jules Kounde is a doubt and Dani Olmo is out injured.
The club also signed Yan Diomande for 140 million euro. Mourinho said, "It's not a game like the others... we're losing 24 hours of rest (compared to Barcelona)."
The Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for 27 October.
