Mourinho's First 100 Days at Real Madrid: 81% Win Rate, Dressing Room Calm, and the End of the Injury Nightmare

JOSÉ LUIS CALDERÓN, MARCA

José Mourinho's second stint at the helm of Real Madrid has reached the 100-day milestone after pre-season got underway at Valdebebas on July 13. With the campaign now in full swing, clear conclusions can already be drawn from the Portuguese tactician's work. Club president Florentino Pérez turned to 'The Special One' once again with a clear and familiar mission. Years ago, the club needed a revived winning mentality to halt the momentum of Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi's Barcelona. Now, 16 years on, the club chief has sought out Mourinho for the same objective: to bring back silverware and provide an answer to a rampant Barça side led by Hansi Flick and Lamine Yamal. While 100 days is a short period for a complete overhaul, it offers a distinct picture of the team's direction. 

More Wins Than PSG, Bayern, and Chelsea

Results remain the ultimate benchmark, and Mourinho has wasted no time in restoring the winning habit at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid have recorded nine wins and two defeats across 11 competitive fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League, boasting an 81% win rate. Real Madrid have won more games at this stage of the season than several top European rivals, including PSG (7), Bayern Munich (7), Chelsea (6), and Atlético Madrid (8). Barcelona's flawless 11-match winning run remains the only standard overshadowing Madrid ahead of the upcoming El Clásico, while Los Blancos have also impressed on the continent with statement victories over Inter Milan and Roma. 

The Bernabéu Becomes a Fortress Once More

Under Mourinho, Real Madrid's home ground has reclaimed its fearsome aura. The team has posted a perfect record of six wins from six matches at home, defeating Real Sociedad, Málaga, Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal, Sevilla, and Inter. In addition to securing maximum points, Madrid have recorded four commanding routs, compiling an impressive goal difference of 19 scored and just four conceded in front of their home fans. 

Restoring Dressing Room Harmony

Beyond results on the pitch, Mourinho was tasked with restoring order to the squad following a turbulent previous campaign. Florentino Pérez viewed the Portuguese manager as the authoritative figure needed to impose discipline and control. The atmosphere now appears completely stabilized, free from scandals and unnecessary dressing room drama. The days marked by weekly disputes, player friction, defiance of managerial decisions, and internal club fines have been firmly left behind. 

A Drastic Drop in Muscle Injuries

Another major issue plaguing the squad in the past was an overwhelming injury crisis (60 injuries last season) that severely limited squad depth. Since competitive action began, however, Real Madrid have not registered a single muscle injury. Mourinho inherited long-term absentees Éder Militão, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy; Raúl Asencio underwent surgery for a pre-existing issue from last term, Aurélien Tchouaméni worked his way back from a World Cup knock, and Kylian Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté experienced minor niggles while on international duty with France. Federico Valverde continued to play through an ankle complaint. The only muscular setbacks occurred during pre-season with Dean Huijsen, Asencio (pre-surgery), and Endrick. Throughout the entire month of October, the squad suffered zero injuries, compared to seven during the same period last season. 

The Three Untouchables

Tactically, Mourinho continues to shape the squad around his footballing philosophy. At this stage, three players have established themselves as untouchable fixtures in the starting lineup: Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, and Federico Valverde. Tchouaméni has also become an automatic starter since returning to full fitness. Among the new signings, Konaté, Marc Cucurella, and Denzel Dumfries have assumed significant roles, Ousmane Diomande's integration is progressing rapidly, and Carlos Espí has also managed to earn valuable minutes. 

Vinícius Jr Remains the Big Challenge

Despite the team's steady progress, the Portuguese boss still faces a few unresolved issues. The most pressing is getting Vinícius Júnior back to his best. The Brazilian winger has yet to showcase his usual attacking brilliance, despite receiving the manager's complete trust and public backing. Eduardo Camavinga finds himself in a similar situation, still searching for his rhythm after a shaky previous season. Meanwhile, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras remain in peripheral roles, largely confined to the bench. 

An Uncompromising Stance on the Negreira Case

In characteristic fashion, José Mourinho has not shied away from addressing the wider controversies surrounding Spanish football, including developments regarding the Negreira case, reaffirming his role as the chief defender of Real Madrid's interests. 

Mourinho's 100-day milestone did not pass without the massive media attention that follows his every move. Florentino Pérez saw the Portuguese coach as the ideal spokesman for Real Madrid's battles against governing bodies, and the manager has embraced that role completely. He has become the vocal spearhead for the club in its ongoing feud with the refereeing establishment and the fiercest critic of Barcelona regarding the Negreira case—a front on which Madrid remain determined to concede no ground and offer no truce.