El Clásico: No Specific Plan to Stop Yamal, says Mourinho

Barcelona’s Spanish forward #19 Lamine Yamal and Villarreal’s Spanish forward #21 Yeremi Pino vie for the ball during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on May 18, 2025. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO / AFP)

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho said on Saturday that his side will not implement a specific plan to neutralise Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal in Sunday’s El Clásico at the Spotify Camp Nou.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Saturday, the Real Madrid gaffer was quoted as saying, “There’s no specific plan anti-Lamine,” Mourinho told reporters in his pre-match press conference.

“He’s a great player, great players deserve respect… but changing your plans, your structures is another. The players are all good, same as ours.”

Mourinho emphasized that while he respects Yamal’s quality, Real Madrid will not alter their tactical approach or team structure for one player.

He added that Barcelona’s entire squad is strong, matching the quality of his own players.

The comments come ahead of a crucial La Liga clash. Real Madrid trail Barcelona by six points and will be without the suspended Vinicius Junior.

Barcelona recently lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, where the French side used close marking on Yamal.

Mourinho’s stance contrasts with more reactive approaches sometimes used against standout attackers.

He insisted Real Madrid would stick to their own principles rather than reshape their game around the young Barcelona star.

El Clásico is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Camp Nou.