Despite the eventual thrashing, the first half was not entirely straightforward. The Bernabeu faithful briefly expressed their frustration through whistles when the scores were level. However, Mourinho dismissed any concerns, insisting that demanding supporters are simply a part of the club’s DNA.
“We know the Bernabeu, the players know it, I know it,” the veteran coach explained. “Thankfully they’re like that, because it’s a consequence of history. Real Madrid always have great teams and players, and the fans want more. They pay to have their emotions, their happiness, their frustration.
“In the end we got what we wanted, the three points, and the fans went home with a taste of what we can do. Scoring three, four, five [goals], we’ll do that a lot.”
The dominant second-half display successfully quashed any lingering tension. Mbappe’s clinical finishing, combined with his unselfish assist for Carlos Espi in the previous 2-1 away win at Espanyol, proves he is already settling into life under his new manager.