Three games, three wins and 10 goals. Jose Mourinho could hardly have asked for a better start to his return at Real Madrid.
Now comes the first real test.
Madrid travel to face Real Betis on Friday before hosting Inter Milan in their Champions League opener four days later. The month concludes with the biggest test yet, a trip across the city to face Atletico Madrid on September 20th.
Betis away has become a difficult fixture for Madrid. They have not won any of their last four league visits against
Betis, drawing 0-0 in 2022-23, 1-1 in 2023-24, losing 2-1 in 2024-25 and drawing 1-1 last season.
Four days later comes Inter at the Bernabeu and the beginning of Madrid’s Champions League campaign. Then, after league matches against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, Mourinho takes his team to the Metropolitano.
The early signs have been encouraging. Madrid look more intense, more committed defensively and considerably more dangerous going forward.
But Malaga, Espanyol and Real Sociedad were the opening act. Betis, Inter and Atletico will tell us much more.
