José Mourinho returns to the Santiago Bernabéu home dugout for the first time in 4,834 days on Wednesday, leading Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in a fixture scheduled for 21:00 local time at the Madrid venue. According to regional press reports, the Portuguese coach’s last official match in the home technical area took place on June 1, 2013, concluding a three-year tenure defined by domestic silverware, Champions League semi-final exits, and intense media scrutiny.
A Long-Awaited Return to Chamartín
More than thirteen years have passed since Mourinho managed his final match of his first stint at Real Madrid, a 4-2 victory over Osasuna played with a depleted squad on June 1, 2013. During that three-season spell initiated by a presentation on May 31, 2010, the manager directed 178 matches and secured three domestic titles: the Copa del Rey in the 2010-11 campaign, La Liga in 2011-12, and the Supercopa de España in 2012. Records show his team achieved a 71.91% win rate, the highest of any Real Madrid coach with more than 50 matches in charge.
Since his departure, Mourinho’s career has taken him across Europe to Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahçe, and Benfica before landing this second opportunity at the Santiago Bernabéu, mirroring the path taken by Carlo Ancelotti between 2021 and 2025. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s encounter against Real Sociedad, Mourinho emphasized his desire to move forward without looking backward.
“I don’t want the Bernabéu to receive me in a particular way; I want it to receive its team with passion,” Mourinho explained to reporters. “The past season didn’t end well, and at some point it might have seemed that this love was living a complicated phase, but what I want is for us to start from zero, with a feeling for the way people are working, with the willingness and commitment to do things right. This is the most important thing for me, I am not. I am perfectly capable of controlling my emotions and facing the match normally. Let’s go together.”
Squad Status and Tactical Outlook
Real Madrid enters this midweek fixture seeking stability following a victory secured by a late goal from Espí against Espanyol, which provided breathing room at Valdebebas. Mourinho has welcomed back several players participating in international fixtures for additional training sessions, though a significant injury list continues to affect squad selection.
Tchouaméni, Endrick, and Asencio remain unavailable due to fitness issues, alongside long-term absentees Rodrygo, Mendy, and Militao.
Probable line-ups for Wednesday’s clash feature Courtois in goal for Real Madrid, protected by a back four of Trent, Huijsen, Rüdiger, and Cucurella. The midfield core is projected to feature Valverde, Bernardo Silva, and Arda Güler, supporting an attacking trident of Bellingham, Vinícius and Mbappé. Real Sociedad travels with a squad expected to include Remiro under the posts, Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia, and Sergio Gómez across the back, with Turrientes, Yangel, and Soler in midfield, alongside Barrenetxea, Oskarsson, and Kubo in the forward positions. Mateo Busquets Ferrer of the Balearic Committee has been assigned as the referee for the fixture.
Next Fixtures and How to Follow
Following Wednesday night’s clash against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid will continue its campaign. Supporters can follow coverage through domestic rightsholders including Movistar LaLiga, as well as club channels.
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