Speaking on his regular podcast, the former Germany international reflected on a run of recent meetings in which Barcelona had enjoyed the upper hand, arguing that Madrid’s performance represented a significant change.
“In the last two years, the Clásicos were going in Barcelona’s direction. That was the case in the last six or seven Clásicos, and that is what we expected before the match, when Madrid had been conceding an average of four goals in those games,” Kroos said.
The former Real Madrid player was particularly impressed by the team’s willingness to approach the contest with greater courage, rather than allowing Barcelona to dictate the terms of the game.
“They were very brave at the Camp Nou, which was a big difference compared with the last Clásicos. The forwards delivered. There were even periods when they defended very well,” he said.
Kroos also praised the organisation of Madrid’s defensive performance, suggesting the team’s positioning and intensity made life uncomfortable for Barcelona’s key players.
“They were well positioned. Players like Pedri and Raphinha looked uncomfortable, and Madrid made them commit mistakes they do not normally make. Madrid won almost all the duels because they were more intense, and they defended as a team,” he added.
That collective approach was central to Kroos’s assessment. Rather than focusing only on the quality of Madrid’s individual players, he highlighted the way the team worked together to disrupt Barcelona and compete across the pitch.
The result was particularly significant given the recent history between the clubs. Barcelona had enjoyed a strong spell in the fixture, making Madrid’s performance a statement of intent as the LaLiga title race develops.
Mourinho’s influence was a central part of Kroos’s analysis. The Portuguese coach’s willingness to set Madrid up to compete aggressively, both in and out of possession, helped the visitors avoid the problems that had troubled them in previous meetings.
Kroos’s comments offer a perspective from someone who understands the demands of the rivalry and the importance of tactical discipline at the highest level. His assessment was clear: Madrid’s intensity, defensive organisation and courage made the difference in a match that could have carried major consequences for the title race.
For Madrid, the victory provides an important boost after a difficult run of Clásicos. For Barcelona, the defeat offers a reminder that technical quality and possession alone are not always enough when an opponent can disrupt their rhythm and win the individual battles.
Mourinho’s side now have a result to build on, while Kroos’s praise underlines how different the contest looked compared with the recent meetings that had favoured Barcelona.