A Perfect Opening Run
José Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid has started with maximum points and a growing sense that the team has found its rhythm early. Three league games have brought three wins, including a 4-0 home victory over Malaga on August 30 that lifted Madrid to the top of La Liga with nine points from nine.
The result mattered not just because it was convincing, but because it underlined how quickly the squad is responding to Mourinho’s approach. Real Madrid scored three times before the interval and finished the match without conceding, which made the performance feel controlled rather than chaotic.
Why The Malaga Win Stood Out
Jude Bellingham set the tone with a sharp opening goal in the 19th minute, before Malaga were undone by an own goal seven minutes later. Kylian Mbappé then added a third before half-time, and Arda Güler completed the scoring deep into stoppage time.
That sequence reflected a side that is both direct and disciplined. Madrid attacked quickly, kept pressure on the ball, and looked comfortable shifting from midfield control to final-third speed whenever space opened up.
How This Start Compares With Mourinho’s First Spell
This is the strongest opening Mourinho has ever produced at Real Madrid across his two tenures. During his original run from 2010 to 2013, the club never began a league season with three straight wins, which makes this early stretch a notable contrast.
| Season | Opening League Record | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2010/11 | 2 wins, 1 draw | 7 |
| 2011/12 | 2 wins, 1 loss | 6 |
| 2012/13 | 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss | 4 |
| 2026/27 | 3 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses | 9 |
The sample is still small, but the significance is clear. Madrid are winning, defending cleanly, and avoiding the early drift that often complicates a title chase.
The Squad Changes Behind The Results
The summer overhaul has given Mourinho a different-looking group to work with, and the changes appear tailored to his preferences. Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, and Bernardo Silva all arrived as part of a major rebuild, with the club investing heavily to support the new project.
Those additions have already influenced the structure on the pitch. Cucurella brought balance on the left, Dumfries offered width and thrust on the right, Konaté strengthened the centre of defence, and Silva added composure and experience in midfield.
Equally important is the role Jude Bellingham is playing. Rather than forcing him to share the same attacking spaces as Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé, Mourinho has placed him in a pocket behind them, where he can connect play and arrive late into dangerous areas.
The Manager’s Message Remains Measured
Even with a flawless opening, Mourinho has not shifted into celebration mode. His public tone has stayed cautious, with the focus fixed on the next phase of work rather than the first few results.
That restraint fits a coach who has long preferred pressure over comfort. For Madrid, the early return is obvious: confidence is rising, the table looks healthy, and the system already has more clarity than many expected this soon. The harder question is whether the same energy can last once the season becomes less forgiving.
