Mourinho takes his side to the Nou Camp to meet Barcelona for one of two clashes which could decide the destination of the Primera Division title such has been the pair's dominance so far.

Madrid lead the way with a one-point advantage over Barca after 12 rounds, with Mourinho well on the way to giving Los Merengues a more attacking style of play.

He bought young talent in the shape of Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Angel Di Maria over the summer with the only downside their relative lack of experience in big domestic matches and a shortage of time to gel, a point Mourinho acknowledges.

He told AS: "You never know how the team will react.

"Physically we are fine and know what to do, but we face a team that has had a lot of time working together and we have only had a few months.

"But, in any case, we must be prepared for any eventuality."

Mourinho has enjoyed great success throughout his coaching career by building strong, resolute sides which are hard to beat.

And he has followed this path once more at the Bernabeu, albeit with a greater amount of flair going forward.

He added: "It's very important the coach has a clear idea of what he wants: how to play, how to work each day.

"It is one thing to admire someone but something else to copy them.

"You must learn from people who have been successful while always keeping your own personality."

Mourinho is aware of the phenomenal interest in the game - arguably the biggest in Europe - and the former Porto and Chelsea boss realises both sides have a duty to entertain.

"It is our responsibility to put on a great game - the coaches, the players and the referee," he said.

"We have to give the world a super game."

Madrid could be without one of their leading players in Catalonia, however, with striker Gonzalo Higuain struggling with a back injury.

The Argentina international was confined to gym work yesterday and Mourinho will leave a decision on his availability to the last minute.

If he is ruled out, Karim Benzema could step into the starting XI or Mourinho could shift Cristiano Ronaldo into a more attacking role and draft in another midfielder.