A Perfect Start That Changes the Mood
Jose Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu has brought an immediate lift to Real Madrid, and the opening stretch of the 2026/27 La Liga season has given the club exactly the kind of momentum it was hoping for. Three matches, three wins, and nine points from nine have pushed Madrid to the top of the table, while the early defensive solidity has made the start feel even more convincing.
That matters because Mourinho did not produce a perfect league opening during his first spell in charge, even across three full seasons. This time, the tone is different from the first whistle onward, and Madrid already look more controlled, more balanced, and more ruthless when opportunities appear.
How the First Three Fixtures Unfolded
The run began with a gritty 2-1 away victory over Espanyol, the kind of result that often separates title contenders from teams still searching for rhythm. Madrid then returned home and delivered a far more emphatic 4-1 win against Real Sociedad, showing that the attack could accelerate once the match opened up. On 30 August, they finished the week with a 4-0 demolition of Malaga at the Bernabéu, a result that combined fluency in possession with discipline out of possession.
The Malaga match was the clearest expression of the new formula. Jude Bellingham struck first in the 19th minute, then forced an own goal seven minutes later to double the lead. Kylian Mbappé added the third, and Arda Güler completed the scoring after being set up by Vinícius Júnior. The clean sheet gave the performance extra weight, since Madrid did not merely overwhelm an opponent; they controlled the full length of the pitch.
| Season | Opening Three League Matches | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010/11 | Two wins, one draw | Unbeaten | 7 |
| 2011/12 | Two wins, one loss | Mixed | 6 |
| 2012/13 | One win, one draw, one loss | Inconsistent | 4 |
| 2026/27 | Three wins, no setbacks | Perfect | 9 |
The Squad Has Been Reshaped for a Different Plan
This fast start is not happening by accident. Real Madrid spent close to £200 million in the summer to adjust the squad around Mourinho’s preferences, and the new arrivals have already begun to define the team’s identity. Marc Cucurella arrived from Chelsea for about £52 million and made his first official start against Malaga, where he helped stabilise the left side. Denzel Dumfries came in from Inter Milan to give Madrid a more aggressive presence at right back, while Ibrahima Konaté joined on a free transfer from Liverpool to strengthen the centre of defence.
Bernardo Silva’s arrival on a free transfer from Manchester City may prove just as important. He adds control, intelligence, and high-level experience to midfield, which gives Madrid another reliable organiser in a team built around explosive attacking talent. Together, the new signings suggest a side built with clearer roles and fewer overlaps than the one Mourinho inherited.
Bellingham’s New Position Is Making Everything Work
The most noticeable tactical change is the way Jude Bellingham is being used. Instead of asking him to compete for the same attacking spaces as Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé, Madrid have placed him in the pocket just behind the pair. That simple adjustment creates cleaner spacing, allows Bellingham to influence the game between the lines, and gives the forwards more room to attack behind defences.
The effect is practical as well as aesthetic. Madrid now look less crowded in advanced areas, and their transitions are sharper because the central route is no longer clogged. If the back line stays stable and the midfield keeps feeding the front three with the right timing, the team has the profile of a side that can punish opponents quickly and repeatedly.
Confidence Is Returning, But Mourinho Is Not Celebrating Early
Even with the ideal opening, Mourinho has not changed his tone. After a preseason victory over Deportivo, he kept the focus on the work ahead, saying: You know the five who are at Valdebebas. And next week, the real work begins. That message fits a coach who has rarely allowed a strong start to turn into complacency.
The early results offer encouragement, but they do not settle anything on their own. Madrid have gone two seasons without a major trophy, and the pressure at the club remains immense. Still, a flawless start gives Mourinho something valuable: time, trust, and proof that this version of Real Madrid may finally be closer to the standard supporters expect. The first three matches have not solved the season, but they have opened the door to something much bigger.
