Harry Diamond
One of the great managerial contests of modern times, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola face off once again this weekend in the latest instalment of their long and storied rivalry.
Regarded as two of the best managers of all-time, the decorated duo have won 16 domestic leagues and four Champions League titles between them thus far, with another fascinating tactical battle ahead as Mourinho’s Spurs host Guardiola’s Manchester City on Satruday evening.
Ahead of a huge clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, we’ve decided to revisit some of the most memorable encounters between the managerial greats.
Here are five of the most famous games between Guardiola and Mourinho teams…
Inter Milan 3-1 Barcelona – Champions League semi-final first leg (20/04/2010)
One of the defining results of Mourinho’s trophy-laden career, the Portuguese’s Inter Milan side would come from behind in devastating fashion to take control of their Champions League semi-final tie against Guardiola’s Barcelona.
The Spanish side were the holders and looked in a strong position to reach a second successive final as Pedro opened the scoring at the San Siro, only for Inter to rally and level through Wesley Sneijder.
Diego Milito would be the star, providing the assist for Sneijder’s goal before again turning provider as Maicon poked home a second to put the Italian’s ahead.
Far from the conservative approach often seen from Mourinho teams, the Nerazzurri would continue to push forwards and scored a third, Milito heading home from close range to put Inter in control.
A defensive masterclass would see 10-man Inter progress to the final after a 1-0 second leg defeat at the Nou Camp, sparking wild on-pitch celebrations from Mourinho who would go on to lead the Italian giants to a famous Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble.
Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid – La Liga (29/11/2010)
Having guided Inter to Italian football’s first ever treble, Mourinho would depart the San Siro to take over as manager of Real Madrid, the Spanish giants seeking new leadership to deal with the increased threat of Guardiola’s Barcelona side.
Mourinho had enjoyed a superb start in Madrid and Real would head to the home of their arch-rivals top of the division, only to suffer a Camp Nou humiliation as Lionel Messi starred for the Catalan side.
A rampant Barcelona side would hit five goals without reply, Xavi opening the scoring before Pedro doubled the lead after poking in from David Villa’s cross.
Villa would score his side’s third and fourth goals following superb passes from the mesmerising Messi, before Jeffren completed the rout in stoppage-time prior to a red card for Real’s Sergio Ramos.
It was a humbling defeat for Mourinho, and a clear reminder of the task facing him to assert Real’s superiority in Spanish football.
Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid – Copa del Rey final (20/04/2011)
Having failed to beat Barcelona and Guardiola in either of their league meetings during his debut season in Spain, Mourinho would finally overcome his rival to land the first silverware of he reign at the Bernabeu.
A tight contest would head into extra-time after a goalless ninety minutes, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Copa del Rey with a thumping header, rising highest to head home Angel Di Maria’s cross and secure silverware for Los Blancos.
The victory for Madrid would be made particularly sweet after preventing Guardiola from completing the second treble of his career at the Camp Nou, Barcelona going on to win both La Liga and the Champions League later that season.
Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona – Champions League semi-final first leg (27/04/2011)
The third of four meetings between the two sides in a little over two weeks, the old rivals would challenge on all fronts during the 2010/11 season, meeting once more for a two-legged El Clásico in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Their first leg encounter at the Bernabeu would once again belong to the extraordinary talents of Messi, the Argentine superstar producing one of many career-defining performances to put Barcelona in control of the tie.
Pepe’s red card for the hosts would give the Catalans an advantage, one they would capitalise upon as two late goals from Messi secured a memorable victory.
After turning in Ibrahim Affelay’s cross for the opener, Messi would score one of the great Champions League goals, a scintillating solo run from near the half-way line that would take him past several static Real defenders before finishing past Iker Casillas.
It was a genius moment from a player who has produced many throughout his career, a draw in the second leg sending Barcelona through to a Wembley final against Manchester United – Guardiola’s side winning 3-1 to win the second Champions League title of the Spaniard’s managerial career.
Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United – Premier League (07/04/2018)
Pep Guardiola’s second season in English football had seen Manchester City smash a whole host of divisional records, the club heading towards a Premier League title in record-breaking fashion.
City would be given the chance to win the title in the sweetest of fashion, knowing victory over neighbours and fierce rivals Manchester United at the Etihad would confirm their status as champions.
The game would begin perfectly for Guardiola’s side as they raced into a two-goal lead, Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan the goalscorers to send the home crowd into a feverish atmosphere.
United, facing the embarrassment of handing their rivals the title in a derby encounter, would fightback, however, three goals in the space of 16 second-half minutes turning the clash around.
Paul Pogba would score a brace before Chris Smalling turned home an unlikely winner, Mourinho’s side spoiling the title party at the home of their city rivals.
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