The President of Uruguay visits the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Florentino Perez served as guide to Jose Mujica and Members of his Cabinet

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

The White Colosseum was visited by President of Uruguay Jose Mujica and eleven Members of his Cabinet today. Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and former Uruguayan player Jose Emilio Santamaria acted as their hosts and guided them through the majesty of the stadium.

The visit began at the Presidential Balcony and then went through the local dressing room. The pitch was the delegation's next stop; everyone was greatly impressed and a family photo was taken to immortalize the event.

The tour proceeded through the Noble Building at the stadium and, in the Board Room, President Perez presented President Mujica with a replica of the stadium and a signed Cristiano Ronaldo shirt. The Uruguayan Premier in turn gave Perez a shirt of the Uruguayan national team and a traditional container from which to drink mate, a traditional South American infused drink. The Members of the Mujica's Cabinet also received a Ronaldo shirt and a watch.

Jose Mujica

"I am delighted to get to know a real architectural gem, a living monument that is very surprising indeed. I hope football is the true winner in the Clasico. It will be a formidable spectacle between two football powerhouses and may the best team win."

Mourinho prepares to face Barca

Jose Mourinho admits to having no idea how his young Real Madrid side will cope with the first Clasico of the season.

Mourinho takes his side to the Nou Camp to meet Barcelona for one of two clashes which could decide the destination of the Primera Division title such has been the pair's dominance so far.

Madrid lead the way with a one-point advantage over Barca after 12 rounds, with Mourinho well on the way to giving Los Merengues a more attacking style of play.

He bought young talent in the shape of Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Angel Di Maria over the summer with the only downside their relative lack of experience in big domestic matches and a shortage of time to gel, a point Mourinho acknowledges.

He told AS: "You never know how the team will react.

"Physically we are fine and know what to do, but we face a team that has had a lot of time working together and we have only had a few months.

"But, in any case, we must be prepared for any eventuality."

Mourinho has enjoyed great success throughout his coaching career by building strong, resolute sides which are hard to beat.

And he has followed this path once more at the Bernabeu, albeit with a greater amount of flair going forward.

He added: "It's very important the coach has a clear idea of what he wants: how to play, how to work each day.

"It is one thing to admire someone but something else to copy them.

"You must learn from people who have been successful while always keeping your own personality."

Mourinho is aware of the phenomenal interest in the game - arguably the biggest in Europe - and the former Porto and Chelsea boss realises both sides have a duty to entertain.

"It is our responsibility to put on a great game - the coaches, the players and the referee," he said.

"We have to give the world a super game."

Madrid could be without one of their leading players in Catalonia, however, with striker Gonzalo Higuain struggling with a back injury.

The Argentina international was confined to gym work yesterday and Mourinho will leave a decision on his availability to the last minute.

If he is ruled out, Karim Benzema could step into the starting XI or Mourinho could shift Cristiano Ronaldo into a more attacking role and draft in another midfielder.

Maradona: Mourinho has improved Real

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho for transforming the fortunes of his current club Real Madrid.

Former Barcelona wizard Maradona expressed his admiration for the way the Portuguese tactician has instilled a sense of order and unity into a previously disruptive Madrid squad.

Speaking to Portuguese station SIC Noticias, 'El Diego' said, "Now they play how Mourinho wants them to, and how the fans want them to," said Maradona, who met Mourinho a week ago.

"I watch all Madrid's games, and I like the improvisation that [Mourinho] demonstrates. How he controls the players, how he carries the group with him."

The ex Napoli starlet was speaking to the station as part of a special program to honour the achievements of the former Chelsea gaffer.

Mourinho himself took time off to speak to the radio station over his long and illustrious coaching career.

Busquets: Mourinho is always talking

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets wants his team to do their talking on the pitch as they prepare for the El Clasico.

Arch rivals Real Madrid in particular have been making huge noises ahead of their clash at the Nou Camp on Monday evening but according to defensive midfielder Busquets, he is not willing to give them a listening ear.

In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, he commented: "[Jose] Mourinho is always talking, but we do not care what comes from Madrid.

"With him in charge, they are ambitious and they are winning. Before, they were a good team, but did not have the same ambition. I expect a very intense pressure, beginning high in the team all the way back to Iker Casillas."

The lanky anchorman also added that he would love nothing more than to bag the winner against the capital outfit.

He said: "It would be a dream to score against Madrid, that would be an unforgettable goal."

Real will head into the encounter a point ahead of their fiercest rivals though both sides have registered an impressive 33 goals in the league so far.

Mourinho: Wenger is a loser!

Jose Mourinho was riled by Arsene Wenger's recent remarks about Real Madrid's controversial time-wasting tactics.

The Real Madrid manager taunted Wenger about Arsenal's empty trophy cabinet, as well as their recent 2-0 loss to Braga.

Mourinho said: "He (Wenger) should especially explain to Arsenal supporters how he can't win one single little trophy since 2005."

Wenger had denounced Real's controversial time-wasting tactics at Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League, which saw two of the Spanish giants' players conveniently sent off.

Mourinho added: "Instead of speaking about Real Madrid, Mr Wenger should speak about Arsenal and explain how he lost 2-0 against a team in the Champions League for the first time.

"The history about the young kids is getting old now.

"Sagna, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Song, Nasri, Van Persie, Arshavin are NOT kids. They are all top players."

Mourinho and four of his players have been charged by UEFA with improper conduct.

The Portuguese has been accused of instructing midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Sergio Ramos to pick up second yellow cards by time-wasting to get sent off, so they will be banned for their team's 'dead' final Group G clash with Auxerre and have clean disciplinary records into the knockout stage there-after.

Mourinho has denied all accusations but Wenger announced his disappointment with Real Madrid, saying: "It's a pity to see that from a big club. It looks, frankly, horrible. You don't want to accept that."

The two managers have clashed previously, with the thin-skinned Portuguese having once even threatening to release a "dossier" of information about the Frenchman.

Damn Mou!! love himmmm

Mourinho puzzled by Madrid red cards

Jose Mourinho was delighted with the performances of his side's fringe players in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Ajax.

However, the Madrid boss was less pleased by the two late dismissals of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos for time-wasting by Scottish referee Craig Thomson - something Ramos insisted was not part of a plan hatched by the Spaniards' bench.

Madrid had already secured their place in the last 16 prior to tonight's match at the Amsterdam ArenA but the Spanish giants ensured they would finish in top spot in Group G after claiming a convincing victory over the Dutch outfit.

Karim Benzema and Alvaro Arbeloa put Madrid 2-0 up at half-time before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a second-half double to complete the scoring as Mourinho continued his unbeaten start to life in charge of the nine-time European champions.

Mourinho, who was without several first-team regulars for the match, said of the victory: "I'm very happy, because we're first in our group, which is good bearing in mind practically all the best teams will finish first and we can gain a small advantage in the draw for the last 16.

"I'm very happy with players such as Arbeloa, Benzema, (Raul) Albiol and Lass (Diarra), who don't normally play and have responded magnificently.

"For me all the players are fundamental. Everyone is going to have their opportunity. The responses that they have given today have been very good. The players are ready for everything, and that makes me happy."

Mourinho was less impressed by the dismissals of Spanish World Cup winners Alonso and Ramos in the closing stages after Thomson showed them each second yellow cards for time-wasting.

Midfielder Alonso received his caution in the 87th minute for taking too long over a free-kick inside his own half while defender Ramos was booked four minutes later for doing likewise with a goal-kick, which he was taking instead of goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Those dismissals mean both players will be suspended for Madrid's final group game against Auxerre - a match that has nothing riding on it for the Spanish outfit.

When he was asked about the red cards, Mourinho said: "I spoke with many players throughout the game, not only with Ramos and Alonso. Stories sell, but the important thing is the 4-0 win and the fantastic game we had. Let's talk about that and not other things."

When quizzed on the subject again, Mourinho said: "The sendings-off came after an easy game where the referee has shown some strange yellows.

"They are cards that I don't like.

"It was an easy game to control. Ajax made a lot of fouls and in the first from Ramos he was shown a yellow card."

The Portuguese coach added: "The red cards we picked up don't matter hugely as we have already qualified ahead of the next game against Auxerre. If Ramos and Alonso can't play against Auxerre then there will be others, but we are not going to gift the game to the French. We want to win them all."

Ramos insisted Madrid did not deliberately seek the cautions to get suspensions out of the way before the knock-out stages.

Ramos said in AS: "We haven't gone looking for the cards. Seeing what the scoreline was, the referee could have spared them. But he sent me off and that's it."

Mourinho puzzled by Madrid red cards

Jose Mourinho was delighted with the performances of his side's fringe players in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Ajax.

However, the Madrid boss was less pleased by the two late dismissals of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos for time-wasting by Scottish referee Craig Thomson - something Ramos insisted was not part of a plan hatched by the Spaniards' bench.

Madrid had already secured their place in the last 16 prior to tonight's match at the Amsterdam ArenA but the Spanish giants ensured they would finish in top spot in Group G after claiming a convincing victory over the Dutch outfit.

Karim Benzema and Alvaro Arbeloa put Madrid 2-0 up at half-time before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a second-half double to complete the scoring as Mourinho continued his unbeaten start to life in charge of the nine-time European champions.

Mourinho, who was without several first-team regulars for the match, said of the victory: "I'm very happy, because we're first in our group, which is good bearing in mind practically all the best teams will finish first and we can gain a small advantage in the draw for the last 16.

"I'm very happy with players such as Arbeloa, Benzema, (Raul) Albiol and Lass (Diarra), who don't normally play and have responded magnificently.

"For me all the players are fundamental. Everyone is going to have their opportunity. The responses that they have given today have been very good. The players are ready for everything, and that makes me happy."

Mourinho was less impressed by the dismissals of Spanish World Cup winners Alonso and Ramos in the closing stages after Thomson showed them each second yellow cards for time-wasting.

Midfielder Alonso received his caution in the 87th minute for taking too long over a free-kick inside his own half while defender Ramos was booked four minutes later for doing likewise with a goal-kick, which he was taking instead of goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Those dismissals mean both players will be suspended for Madrid's final group game against Auxerre - a match that has nothing riding on it for the Spanish outfit.

When he was asked about the red cards, Mourinho said: "I spoke with many players throughout the game, not only with Ramos and Alonso. Stories sell, but the important thing is the 4-0 win and the fantastic game we had. Let's talk about that and not other things."

When quizzed on the subject again, Mourinho said: "The sendings-off came after an easy game where the referee has shown some strange yellows.

"They are cards that I don't like.

"It was an easy game to control. Ajax made a lot of fouls and in the first from Ramos he was shown a yellow card."

The Portuguese coach added: "The red cards we picked up don't matter hugely as we have already qualified ahead of the next game against Auxerre. If Ramos and Alonso can't play against Auxerre then there will be others, but we are not going to gift the game to the French. We want to win them all."

Ramos insisted Madrid did not deliberately seek the cautions to get suspensions out of the way before the knock-out stages.

Ramos said in AS: "We haven't gone looking for the cards. Seeing what the scoreline was, the referee could have spared them. But he sent me off and that's it."

UEFA to probe Real red cards

UEFA have launched an investigation into whether Real Madrid players deliberately incurred red cards.

Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso were sent off for time wasting late in Real Madrid's 4-0 win against Ajax in Amsterdam, and their suspensions will rule them out of the dead rubber against Auxerre next week, while wiping their disciplinary records ahead of the knock-out stages.

UEFA today confirmed they were aware of the incidents and have instructed disciplinary officials to look into them before deciding whether any charges are to be brought.

Under article 5.1 of UEFA's regulations dealing with loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship both players could be charged and have their suspensions extended.

The sendings off both looked deliberate, with substitute goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek apparently relaying a message that Alonso and Ramos, having already been booked, should time waste and seek a second yellow so as to get any ban out of the way. Alonso delayed taking a free-kick and Ramos delayed taking a goal-kick for Iker Casillas.

Dutch broadcaster NOS also showed footage of Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho speaking to Alonso on the touchline before he picked up his second caution.

However Mourinho has denied instructing his players to seek deliberate red cards.

Mourinho said: "I spoke with many players throughout the game, not only with Ramos and Alonso.

"The two red cards were the result of strange referee bookings in an easy game to monitor.

"I didn't like them one bit, but if Ramos or Alonso can't face Auxerre others will take their place. We will not give our game against the French away. We want to win all our matches."

UEFA charge Real Madrid quintet

UEFA have charged Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho after Tuesday's controversial Champions League match with Ajax.

The decision was made after launching an investigation into whether Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso deliberately incurred red cards during the clash.

Ramos and Alonso, together with Jerzy Dudek and Iker Casillas, are also under investigation for alleged improper conduct.

A statement from UEFA said: "UEFA has confirmed that a disciplinary case has been opened against Real Madrid for the improper conduct of coach Jose Mourinho and players Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas and Jerzy Dudek during the UEFA Champions League Group G match against AFC Ajax in Amsterdam on Tuesday."

The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Tuesday, November 30.

Alonso and Ramos were both sent off late in the 4-0 win in Holland after receiving second yellow cards for time-wasting.

That means the two Spain internationals will be suspended for Madrid's final Group G match against Auxerre - which is a dead rubber for the already-qualified Spanish side - but could see their disciplinary records wiped clean ahead of the knockout stages.

There have been accusations that both cautions were deliberately incurred, with substitute goalkeeper Dudek apparently relaying a message - via first-choice custodian Casillas - that Alonso and Ramos, having already been booked, should time-waste and seek second yellows so as to get any ban out of the way.

Alonso delayed taking a free-kick in his own half and Ramos delayed taking a goal-kick for Casillas.

Mourinho heaps praise on Guardiola

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has given glowing praise to his Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola ahead of Monday's El Clasico.

The two go head-to-head at the Camp Nou, in an eaglerly anticipated clash between the two giants of Spanish football.

Despite the El Clasico hostilities reaching a crescendo, Mourinho has taken time to commend his opponent.

"If I were Barca president Sandro Rosell I'd give him a contract for the next 50 years," Mourinho told Fifa.com.

"Because he's a club man who's been steeped in the Barcelona way since birth.

"He knows the place inside out and he knows the kind of football that Barcelona fans want. He's the ideal man to coach Barcelona for as long as he wants to."

The Special One, who used to work with Guardiola at Barcelona during his early coaching career, insists he still respects his former colleague.

"We used to work together at Barca and I have only positive memories of that period. Now we're rival coaches but I get the feeling that we respect each other.

"In my view that's a good thing, and it'd be perfect if it stayed that way. I first said he'd end up being an excellent head coach years ago."

Despite his glowing praise for the Barcelona coach, Mourinho, who is getting his first taste of the El Clasico, will put aside all friendships as he seeks to extend Madrid's lead at the top of the league.

you I thought You are only into CR7.

well, you are wrong

hm...

Thanks Mou!!

We bow down to you,oh The Special One!!

How ''special ''was this ''One''??

Mourinho: We are not humiliated

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho claims his side is not humiliated by their 5-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

The Portuguese came into the match being unbeaten in 19 competitive games and with a one-point lead over his opponents.

But that record was soon wiped away as Mourinho was handed his first defeat in charge of Madrid which was also his heaviest loss he has suffered in his managerial career.

A brace by David Villa and goals from Xavi, Pedro and substitute Jeffrén Suárez completed the rout by Barcelona over their bitter arch-rivals.

Speaking after the match, the Special One looked unfazed by the heavy defeat but conceded that his side were second-best.

"One team played very good, one team very bad," Mourinho commented in a post-match press conference.

"One deserved to win and one deserved to lose.

"Humiliated? No. It's easy to deal with this loss, we just weren't good enough."

And the Madrid coach went on to admit he was not pleased with his side's defending in the first half.

"We gifted them two goals that were almost ridiculous," he said.

Mourinho remained in the dugout as his side capitulated in the second period, but said there was nothing he could do to prevent the heavy defeat.

"I was watching the game. I tried to change things at the interval and we came out quite well, but then they scored again and there was nothing I could do - the game was lost," he said.

The defeat sees Madrid drop to second in the Primera Division after 13 rounds of matches, but with 25 games left, Mourinho is not panicking just yet.

"Last week we had a point more than Barcelona and today we have a point less," he said.

"And as I have always said, Barca is the finished article while Madrid is still a long way off that."

Madrid are now at home to Valencia next weekend and Mourinho is sure his players will react positively.

"We have to show character. After a defeat like this you want to play again soon. We are playing on Saturday, but I wish we could play tomorrow," he said.

how easily he can say that''one team was good,the other really bad''!!

Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid

A brace from David Villa led Barcelona to an incredible rout of Real Madrid - who lost for the first time under Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho had gone unbeaten in his first 19 games in all competitions since joining Madrid in the summer, but the Portuguese was unable to avoid defeat in the biggest one of all as Pep Guardiola maintained his perfect record as Barca coach in the Clasico with a fifth straight victory over Real.

Xavi and Pedro put Barca two up within 17 minutes, while Villa made it a night to remember at a packed Nou Camp with two goals early in the second half and substitute Jeffren Suarez added a fifth right at the end.

To add insult to injury for Madrid, they finished the match with 10 men after Sergio Ramos pushed Carles Puyol in the face late on.

It was some revenge for Barca - and Guardiola - after Mourinho, then coach of Inter Milan, knocked the Catalan side out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage last season here.

Mourinho handed a rare start to France striker Karim Benzema, out of favour for most of this season, after Gonzalo Higuain failed a late fitness test.

Guardiola, though, was able to field his strongest XI, which of course included Lionel Messi.

And the Argentina winger, yet to score against a side coached by Mourinho, almost did so after five minutes, when he beat Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with an exquisite chip from a tight angle, only to see his effort rebound off the post.

But four minutes later, Barca did go ahead.

Andres Iniesta's perfectly-weighted through-ball found Xavi and the midfielder took one touch to control, albeit with some fortune, before clipping the ball past Casillas on the volley from close range.

Angel di Maria tested Victor Valdes with a stinging effort at the other end two minutes later, but Barca made it 2-0 in their very next attack.

It came after 17 minutes and was scored by Barca's number 17 - Pedro.

The Spain forward was left with a simple tap-in from close range after Casillas failed to deal with Villa's low cross from the left.

That followed a long passing move from the home side and the Catalans looked good for their lead.

An unseemly brawl followed after half an hour, when Cristiano Ronaldo pushed Guardiola in the chest, with the Barca coach having refused to hand the ball to the Portugal winger on the touchline.

Ronaldo was shown the yellow card and received huge jeers every time he touched the ball after that.

The former Manchester United forward came close with a free-kick later in the half and also saw a decent penalty appeal turned down after he went to ground following a challenge with Valdes.

Messi was booked for simulation a minute before the interval for exaggerating a foul by Ricardo Carvalho.

Barca began the second half brightly and after Xavi and Villa missed good chances early on, the latter made it 3-0 with only 54 minutes on the clock.

The Spain striker latched onto Messi's pass and beat Casillas with a clinical finish in the area, although he looked to be marginally offside when the ball was played.

The same combination made it 4-0 three minutes later as Messi set up Villa once more and the former Valencia forward slid the ball through Casillas' legs as the keeper came out to narrow the angle.

The Nou Camp was rocking after that and Barca dominated right until the end.

Substitute Bojan Krkic saw his fierce effort saved by Casillas and was unable to stay on his feet as he raced clear moments earlier.

But Jeffren, who replaced Pedro with three minutes left, did make it five in added time when he clipped the ball past Casillas from close range after a low cross from the right.

Madrid's misery was compounded right at the end as the visitors finished the game with 10 men after Ramos hit out at Puyol and was shown the red card.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Player Ratings

Daniel Teo picks out the best and the worst of the El Clasico as Barcelona demolished Real Madrid 5-0 at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona

Victor Valdes - 7

The Barcelona goalkeeper was expecting a busy night but he had nothing of that. A good save from Angel di Maria early in the game was nearly all the action the Spaniard was involved in.

Dani Alves - 7.5

Was at his usual best down the right-wing. The Brazilian full-back caused continual headaches to the Real Madrid's defence with his marauding runs and link-up play with the attackers.

Carles Puyol - 8

Yet another inspirational and stellar performance from the Barcelona captain himself. The defender wore his heart on the Barca sleeve and was a solid rock at the heart of the defence.

Gerald Pique - 7.5

The former Manchester United showed once again what a world class defender he has become since leaving Old Trafford as he put in yet another top-class performance at the back. But in all honesty, he was hardly tested by Cristiano Ronaldo and gang.

Eric Abidal - 7

A solid performance for the right-back. Performed an excellent job in neutralizing left-wing threat of Madrid.

Xavi (Off 87') - 8.5

The Barcelona midfield maestro did what he does best again - dominating play from midfield and most importantly - opened the floodgates at the Camp Nou with a cute finish following an exquisite control.

Sergio Busquets - 7.5

Did the dirty job in the centre of the park. The 22-year-old won most of the battles against he star-studded Madrid midfield. Who needs Javier Mascherano?

Andres Iniesta - 8.5

The Barcelona playmaker put on another footballing clinic at the Camp Nou. He was simply unplayable in midfield and hardly lost the ball. It was his pass that found Xavi for his opening goal.

Pedro (Off 87') - 8

A lively performance by the pint-sized Barcelona midfielder. He has once again showed his ability to be in the right place at the right time with his goal that doubled Barca's lead.

Lionel Messi - 8.5

Despite surprisingly not getting on the scoresheet this time, the Argentinean ace was his mesmerizing self. He nearly scored a wonder goal after six minutes but his deft lob bounced off the post. Else, Messi was at the centre of Barcelona's play and was integral in their triumph over their bitter rivals.

David Villa (Off 76') - 9 (Man-of-the-match)

What an El Clasico debut for the Barcelona striker! An excellent double and an assist for Pedro have surely cemented his place in the history books and hearts of the Camp Nou faithful.

Substitutes:

Bojan Krkic (On 76') - 7

The young striker came on in the 76th minute for Villa and put in a lively performance despite the limited time he was given.

Jeffrén Suárez (On 87') - 7.5

The young Venezuelan capped off an unbelievable evening at the Camp Nou with a El Clasico goal to keep in his memory for a long time to come.

Seydou Keita (On 87') - N/A

Real Madrid

Iker Casillas - 5

Probably one of the lowest - if not the lowest point of his Madrid career. Could have done better to prevent Pedro's goal and allowed the ball to go under his leg for Villa's second goal.

Sergio Ramos - 4

What a horror performance from the Spanish centre-back. Ramos was at fault for Pedro's goal as he allowed Villa space and time to cross. His miserable night was capped off in disgraced after being sent off for pushing fellow Spain team-mate Puyol on the face.

Pepe - 6

The Portuguese defender played his heart out for Madrid and was one of their better players.

Ricardo Carvalho - 4

The former Chelsea defender's good run of form came to an end at the Nou Camp. His lack of pace was brutally exposed by the Barcelona attack and was lucky not to be sent off for a deliberate handball.

Marcelo (Off 60') - 4.5

A poor performance for the Brazilian. It was his slip-up that let Xavi in for the all important opening goal. Was toothless going forward as well and was deservedly taken off at the hour-mark

Sami Khedira - 5

The German international worked his socks off in his first ever El Clasico but was simply outclassed and outfoxed by the Barcelona midfield.

Mesut Özil (Off 45') - 4.5

Much was expected from the German midfielder but he failed miserably. He was a pale shadow of himself against Barcelona and had no impact whatsoever on the game. Was taken off at half-time.

Xabi Alonso - 5.5

The former Liverpool midfielder was easily outclassed by his Spanish compatriots such as Xavi and Iniesta. His passing was also not at his usual best.

Ángel Di María - 4

Jose Mourinho must be wondering if this was the same Di Maria he signed during the summer. The Argentinean had a dreadful game and lost the ball on several occasions.

Karim Benzema - 4

The Frenchman was given the golden opportunity to prove his worth to Mourinho was failed miserably. But to be fair, he was left isolated for most of the match as the supply from midfield was cut by the Barcelona players.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 5

Instead of inspiring his side against their bitter rivals, the Portuguese was a cry-baby throughout the match. Despite starting the match strongly, Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure as he was outshined by Messi. Capped off his night in disgrace as he had the audacity to shove Pep Guardiola in the chest at the sidelines.

Subsitutes:

Lassana Diarra (On 45') - 5

Was brought in to replace Ozil at half-time but was equally as ineffective as he was simply outclassed and outplayed by the Barcelona midfield.

Álvaro Arbeloa (On 60') - 5.5

A decent job by the former Liverpool defender after coming on for the poor Marcelo at the hour-mark.

Mourinho: Clasico is not title decider

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho preferred not to get swept away by the hype surrounding their showdown with Barcelona.

Madrid have enjoyed a fantastic start to life under Mourinho, with 15 victories and four draws from 19 competitive matches leaving the club top of the Primera Division standings and through to the last 16 of the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

However, they face their biggest test so far under the Portuguese tomorrow as they take on Barcelona - who are just a point behind the pacesetters in La Liga - in the first El Clasico of the season.

The encounter is one of the most eagerly-anticipated meeting between the two in recent times with both clubs in stunning form and rival superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of their games, but Mourinho was keen to add a little perspective to proceedings on the eve of the fixture.

"Every game is important. Every point that you lose could be key at the end. But after Monday's game there will be 25 matches left and there are a lot of points in play and so many factors," he said.

Last season the two encounters between the bitter rivals played a crucial role in deciding where the Primera Division title ended up, with Barca doing the double over Madrid as they finished three points clear of the capital club at the top of the table,

"It`s an important game but not decisive. If we win, the following morning will be Tuesday, and if we lose, it will also be Tuesday," added Mourinho, who nevertheless believes Monday's mouthwatering contest could live up to expectations.

"The world is waiting for this game and we have the responsibility to give the world the game that expect," he said.

"These are two teams who could be the best, with top players and everything is in place for it to be a great game.

"I hope that the players help the referee and that it`s a game where they only talk of the football and nice things."

Whatever happens at the Nou Camp though, Mourinho hopes his side can continue afterwards as they have been doing so successfully up to this point.

He said: "I hope that if my team loses, it won`t change either their confidence of self-esteem, and if they win they will continue with their feet on the ground. I will continue to be calm after the game whatever the result.

"We need to be aware that the season is played over 10 months at a very high level. I`m sure we will continue with calm, regardless of the result."

With regards to who should be considered favourites for the match, Mourinho said: "Many times in Clasicos and derbies it isn`t the best team or the one ahead in the table who wins; these matches provide a different motivation, we can have 10 points more or 10 less, but in these games it`s very difficult to say who is better and who is favourite."

Mourinho has named a strong 20-man squad for the trip to the Nou Camp with Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira included after recovering from their knocks.

:yuckky: