Real Madrid's 4-0 victory over Malaga on 30/8 secured Mourinho's perfect start to the La Liga season with three wins and a maximum of 9 points. Previously, Real had defeated Espanyol and Real Sociedad. This achievement surpasses Mourinho's best starts in his three previous seasons in Madrid.

In the 2010-2011 season, Mourinho's team earned seven points from three rounds, with one draw against Mallorca and two wins against Osasuna and Real Sociedad. One year later, Real defeated Zaragoza and Getafe but lost to Levante, accumulating only six points. By the 2012-2013 season, Mourinho's squad had four points from one draw against Valencia, one defeat to Getafe, and a victory over Granada.

Coach Jose Mourinho focuses before the Real Madrid versus Malaga La Liga match at Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on 30/8/2026. Photo: AP

Now, Mourinho boasts a perfect nine points after three rounds. Mourinho himself acknowledged that the pre-season preparation was challenging. Real Madrid had many players returning late after the 2026 World Cup, while some key players faced injuries. Despite this, the team quickly achieved maximum results once the official season began.

These three victories extend Real's positive run in the early stages of Mourinho's new tenure. The team won all six pre-season friendly matches before maintaining a perfect record in their three official games.

However, Mourinho does not believe Real has reached its full potential. Following the win against Malaga, the Portuguese coach admitted the team showed signs of disorganization in the final 20 minutes, particularly after leading 3-0 and reducing their pressing intensity. "We lost a bit of organization in pressing, challenging, and winning back the ball in high positions," Mourinho stated. "This is normal, as Real doesn't yet have enough energy or the mentality to maintain that intensity for the full 90 minutes."

This is a key area Mourinho aims to improve for Real. The 63-year-old coach values all players contributing to the system, rather than relying solely on attacking stars.

Jude Bellingham serves as an example. Mourinho noted that the English midfielder is demanding of himself and his teammates, but he wants Bellingham to avoid dropping too deep to defend, sometimes almost becoming a left-back as before. The new system helps Bellingham understand his role and feel more comfortable.

Mourinho also praised the attacking lineup, including Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe. Before his return to Madrid, doubts arose about the ability of these three players to perform effectively together. Mourinho affirmed his desire for the best players and believes stars must know how to combine with those who share similar quick thinking and decision-making abilities.

David Larrubia (left) vies for the ball with Vinicius Junior during the Real Madrid versus Malaga La Liga match at Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on 30/8/2026. Photo: AP

These positive signs have been evident in the early season matches. Mourinho highlighted Arda Guler's goal, where Vinicius chose to pass to his teammate instead of taking a shot himself. According to Mourinho, such actions demonstrate empathy and collective spirit among the stars.

In defense, Mourinho praised Dean Huijsen's rapid progress. The young center-back was commended for his tackling, covering, and providing stability to the defense. Mourinho believes a center-back must first excel at defending, with ball-playing ability being a secondary attribute.

The Portuguese coach also spoke about the competition within the squad. He believes Real possesses an abundance of quality players, making it inevitable for some to be on the bench. Mourinho cited Trent Alexander-Arnold starting while Denzel Dumfries was a substitute, and Marc Cucurella playing while Alvaro Carreras sat out.

According to Mourinho, the most crucial task now is to maintain balance when difficult times emerge. He warned that defeats, injuries, and negative fan reactions are inevitable over a long season. "Problems will come. Defeats will come," Mourinho stated, emphasizing that Real must be resilient enough to prevent a negative period from spiraling into a prolonged crisis.

Regarding his start, Mourinho still has a milestone to pursue. Xabi Alonso led Real to six consecutive La Liga wins last season, while Arbeloa achieved five straight victories after taking over the team in January. Mourinho will need three more wins to equal Alonso's record.

The next challenge comes away against Betis. Real then returns to the Bernabeu to face Rayo Vallecano before consecutive away matches against Elche and Atletico Madrid. This series of games will further test the team's true strength under Mourinho.

In the Champions League, Real also faces a significant test when they host Inter on 8/9. Mourinho had an even more impressive start in the European competition during his first tenure in Madrid. In the 2010-2011 season, Real won their first three group stage matches before drawing with Milan in the fourth round. The following season, the team won all six group stage games.

Hoang An (according to Marca)