After their latest 3-1 home loss to Barcelona on Saturday, there was no talk of referee bias or the Catalan side’s supposed propensity for exaggerating fouls, just the last-ditch explanation left for any loser: pure bad luck.

In blaming fate, Mourinho appeared to be resigned to accepting that for whatever reason his Real Madrid is second best to a side that continues to play the world’s most attractive football.

A subdued Mourinho said after the match, “Football is a game, and details and luck form part of it. Without taking anything away from our opponent, luck was the difference.”

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online sports on Twitter: @AO_Sports)