Real Madrid began their match at the Bernabeu Stadium brilliantly, leading Rayo Vallecano 3-0 by halftime and concluding the game with a 4-1 win. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace, while Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carreras each added a goal. Despite the victory, Mourinho felt the scoreline did not fully reflect the team's attacking potential.

"We created many chances, but we also missed many," the Portuguese coach stated during the post-match press conference. "I told the players that one day, a weaker team will pay the price for all these missed opportunities. We will score seven goals against one team."

Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach, on the bench during the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, 12/9/2026. Photo: AP

Real Madrid registered 23 shots, converting four into goals. This efficiency highlights the gap between chances created and goals scored. According to Mourinho, the team's direct, high-speed style often brings the ball close to the opponent's goal, but it also makes it challenging for players to maintain accuracy over extended periods.

This also explains why Mourinho was not overly disappointed with Real's dip in performance during the second half. Having established a significant lead after 45 minutes, the Bernabeu home team could not sustain their initial intensity. Rayo Vallecano managed more shots, while Real made several errors in building play from their own half.

Mourinho admitted he anticipated this. "I would describe this as a 45-minute match. After 45 minutes, the game was effectively over," the Portuguese coach commented. "In the second half, the players lacked the physical and mental energy to continue playing at a high intensity."

Real Madrid entered the Rayo Vallecano match following a 2-1 Champions League victory against Inter. Mourinho believes the players deserve recognition for securing three points, even if they could not maintain their first-half performance.

Kylian Mbappe scores Real Madrid's fourth goal during the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, 12/9/2026. Photo: AP

"This was a match we had to win after losing to Betis," he added. "The first half was fantastic, while the second half was not as good. I observed fatigue and tried to bring stability through substitutions. I forgive the players; it is normal. We had just played a very difficult match, and some players finished the game feeling very tired."

Mourinho also praised Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian player continued to provide assists, and the coach believes he is nearing his physical peak. Mourinho noted that Vinicius has improved his ability to repeat sprints and is adapting to higher defensive demands.

The 63-year-old coach stated that Vinicius is also in good spirits and understands his responsibilities while playing for Real Madrid. According to Mourinho, the Brazilian star needs to continue contributing with assists, defensive support, and goals will follow.

Following this match, Real Madrid will visit Elche on Tuesday, 15/9, before facing Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby on 20/9. These upcoming fixtures will provide further tests for a team that is scoring many goals but, according to Mourinho, still has significant room to improve its chance conversion.