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Jose Mourinho has pushed back at comparisons with Barcelona<\/a>, stressing the La Liga<\/a> race is a long haul as Real Madrid<\/a> prepare for a high-stakes trip to Atletico Madrid. According to Goal.com, the Portuguese coach urged patience as the campaign takes shape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Madrid trail their rivals by three points in the early weeks. Barcelona have scored 31 in seven matches, including a 7-2 dismantling of Racing Santander on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mourinho\u2019s side have already tasted defeat, a 1-0 reverse at Real Betis, and have leaned on late drama more than once. Against Elche they let a 2-0 lead slip before Carlos Espi struck a 91st-minute winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n He declined to be drawn on Barcelona, saying his focus is on Real Madrid\u2019s own tactical issues and areas to improve. He also suggested positive noise around the club is scarce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mourinho highlighted the group\u2019s resilience in tense finales and said collective strength sits alongside quality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Back at the Bernabeu only recently, he described this as a process for a newly assembled squad that has not yet dominated full games. He noted others have years to build, while this group have had only months together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n He praised Diego Simeone, admitting past barbs can be impulsive or strategic, but said there is respect between them. The derby at the Metropolitano will test Madrid\u2019s developing resilience, and avoiding further dropped points looks vital to keep pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n