Kroos: "After the 1-1 draw with Barcelona, we would all have signed for it"

Kroos praised Mourinho's tactical setup in Madrid's 1-1 draw at Barcelona, saying the result would have been accepted at half-time given the hosts' recent dominance in Clásicos.

Toni Kroos, the retired Real Madrid midfielder, analysed the 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, highlighting José Mourinho's tactical approach. Kroos noted that when Barcelona equalised, "everyone would have signed for that draw", reflecting how the hosts had dominated recent Clásicos, with Madrid conceding an average of four goals per game in their last six or seven meetings.

Kroos praised Mourinho's setup, saying: "I have to praise Mourinho's work. They played excellently and made a great tactical plan. Playing with the ball against this Barcelona has great merit, because they suffer when they don't have the ball." He highlighted Madrid's intensity and defensive organisation, noting that Barcelona players like Pedri and Raphinha appeared uncomfortable and made uncharacteristic errors. Kroos also singled out Huijsen's marking of Fermín as a surprise positive.

The former Germany international emphasised that Madrid's performance represented a significant shift from recent Clásicos, with the team showing courage at Camp Nou. He concluded by expressing hope that PSG would not win a third Champions League title.