José Mourinho returns to the home dugout at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, August 25, 2026, stepping back into the technical area 4,834 days after his first tenure ended, according to reports in Spanish sports media. Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad at 21:00 local time in Madrid, Spain, marking a high-profile milestone for the Portuguese manager more than a decade after his initial departure on June 1, 2013.
A Historic Return to Chamartín After More Than Thirteen Years
The fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu revives memories of Mourinho’s first three-season spell in the Spanish capital, which yielded three domestic titles: the 2010–11 Copa del Rey, the 2011–12 Liga championship, and the 2012 Supercopa de España. Reporting notes that his first era concluded following a 4–2 victory against Osasuna, a match played before a stadium divided between applause and whistles.
During that initial 178-match spell initiated on May 31, 2010, Mourinho recorded a 71.91% win percentage—the highest of any Real Madrid manager with more than 50 matches in charge. His tenure followed six consecutive UEFA Champions League round-of-16 exits, though it was accompanied by intense media friction, particularly in clashes against FC Barcelona.
Moving Past the Past and Resetting for Real Sociedad
In the intervening 4,834 days, Mourinho managed Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahçe, and Benfica before returning to Madrid. Addressing the media ahead of Wednesday’s league encounter, Mourinho emphasized his desire to look forward rather than dwell on history.
“I don’t want the Bernabéu to receive me in a particular way; I want it to receive its team with passion,” Mourinho stated. “Last season didn’t end well and at some point it might seem that this love lived a complicated phase, but what I want is for us to start from zero, with a feeling with the way people are working, with the willingness and commitment to do things well.”
The squad enters the fixture bolstered by a late goal from Espí against Espanyol, which provided vital breathing room at the Valdebebas training complex. However, squad availability remains constrained. Tchouaméni, Endrick, and Asencio remain unavailable, alongside long-term absentees Rodrygo, Mendy, and Militao.
Probable Lineups and Match Details
Real Madrid is expected to line up under referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer of the Balearic Committee with Courtois in goal, supported defensively by Trent, Huijsen, Rüdiger, and Cucurella. Valverde, Bernardo Silva, and Arda Güler are projected to anchor the midfield, with Bellingham, Vinícius and Mbappé leading the attack.
Real Sociedad travels to Madrid with a projected starting XI featuring Remiro in goal, alongside Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia, and Sergio Gómez across the back. Turrientes, Yangel, and Soler are slated for the midfield, while Barrenetxea, Oskarsson, and Kubo form the attacking trio.
Television coverage for viewers in Spain is scheduled via Movistar LaLiga, with kickoff set for 21:00.
