Mourinho Gets Madrid Running, and From There...

MIGUEL ÁNGEL LARA, "MARCA"

Three for three. José Mourinho's second stint at Real Madrid has begun with a perfect winning record. There's no better way to lay the foundations of a team than by building on victories. What's unfolding in La Liga during the 2026-27 season bears a striking resemblance to Mourinho's three campaigns in Madrid 13 years ago: an intense, shoulder-to-shoulder battle with Barcelona. It remains to be seen if Atlético Madrid will have the potential to keep pace with the rapid tempo set by the two giants.

The 100-point rhythm, reminiscent of the La Liga title won by Mourinho's Real Madrid in 2011-12, has already been established. Now it's Hansi Flick's Barcelona's turn to make their move against Rayo Vallecano.

On the Third Day, Mou Made Changes
After fielding the same starting XI from the debut against Espanyol and the match against Real Sociedad, the third game saw opportunities open up for new starters. Mourinho revealed 24 hours before the match that the lineup wouldn't be the same, announcing Cucurella would start. But he wasn't the only one. Four other new faces appeared from the outset: Trent, Rüdiger, Camavinga, and Brahim. Dumfries, Konaté, Carreras, Bernardo Silva, and Güler were left on the bench. Mourinho wants his entire squad to be engaged, and there's no better way than leading by example.

Bellingham's Legs
Jude was among those who played at the forefront of the World Cup almost until the very end. An England star alongside Kane, his tournament farewell came in the third-place playoff. This might have suggested he'd need weeks to recover his energy and that his entry into the season would be gradual. But the exact opposite happened. The first three league matches have showcased a player with inexhaustible energy and at least one gear above the rest. It's a matter of genetics. From this power came Real Madrid's first two goals. One entirely his own; the other, forcing Herrero into an own goal. In the second half, he rattled Malaga's goal with a powerful shot that hit the crossbar. His substitution two minutes before the end was so the Bernabéu could honor their 'number five'.

A Relentless Real Madrid
By the thirtieth minute, the match was decided. All that remained was to see if Malaga's return to the Bernabéu would end with at least a consolation goal or a rout. Pelliсer's team's organized play was mercilessly punished by Mourinho's side. The Bernabéu witnessed their team in the mode the Portuguese coach spoke of: "Press, press, and press." With a 3-0 lead by the thirtieth minute, Mourinho's Madrid 2.0 had already won over its fans.

Mourinho "Invites" Catenaccio
"In Spain, teams go to the homes of the giants and want to play. In other leagues, that doesn't happen," Mourinho explained after the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Malaga bravely stepped onto the Bernabéu pitch and paid for their courage with a match that was effectively over by the thirtieth minute. Madrid's opponents will start taking notes and realize that it might be better to be cautious against a team full of talent. And hungry for success.

Dumfries Elevates Trent
The English full-back was one of the new faces. With the warning that Dumfries' arrival raises the bar, Trent demonstrated that he is much better with the ball at his feet. Madrid's first chance came from his shot, and from then on, his attacking contribution was more than excellent. They are two very different full-backs. A battle that enriches those involved. And what's truly important – the team.

If Madrid Runs...
Only three matches have passed, but the feelings about this Madrid are very different from those of the last two seasons. What Ancelotti so yearned for in his last season – a team where solidarity combines with quality – is now a reality. The passive team that so frustrated its fans is now an active unit. Much lies ahead, and difficulties will arise, but the change in appearance is obvious.

Two Minutes for Güler is Plenty
He came on in the 88th minute. But that time was enough for the Turk to leave his mark. A counter-attack organized by him ended with a gift from Vinicius, allowing Arda to score into an empty net. While Diomande pays for his timidity and his play shows he lacks much experience, Güler delivers quality, even for a fleeting moment.