Mourinho aims for Christmas lead

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes his team can regain top spot in La Liga from rivals Barcelona by Christmas. Mourinho's side lost 3-1 at home to Barcelona on Saturday and also gave up top spot on head-to-head results to the Nou Camp side, who have played a game more. But Mourinho believes that game in hand, against Sevilla, could prove crucial. Mourinho said: "If we beat Sevilla we will be leaders at Christmas." The Portuguese admitted his side suffered psychologically after Barcelona hit back to take the lead. Karim Benzema had opened the scoring after just 23 seconds but Barcelona ran out winners with goals from Alexis Sanchez, Xavi - via a huge deflection - and Cesc Fabregas. Madrid also missed two chances through the normally reliable Cristiano Ronaldo and Mourinho believes the manner of Xavi's goal had a large bearing on the result. He added: "After that, they had the psychological supremacy that comes with being in front and they were able to pass the ball around and keep it as they love to do."