Real Madrid: the derby leaves more doubts than certainties in La Liga start

Real Madrid head into the international break bruised. The defeat against Atlético at the Metropolitano, combined with yet another poor showing in the first major league test of the season, makes it hard to pass the team's start under Mou. With the exception of the Champions League match against Inter, the side has looked like a team of flashes: capable of thrashing opponents at home, but also prone to severe lapses that go beyond a few minutes. The result is third place in the table and, above all, a sense of fragility that worries more than the standings themselves.

• Real Madrid drop to third place after losing the derby to Atlético.
• Mbappé carries the attack with help from Güler and a more comfortable Bellingham near the box.
• Vinicius delivers a disappointing start with only one goal and little clarity in front of goal.
• Yan Diomande stakes his claim with two starts and minutes in the derby.
• The team suffers long disconnects and loses control at key moments of matches.

What has gone wrong in Real Madrid's start to the season

The problem is not limited to the derby. Warning signs had already appeared before the Metropolitano clash: the defeat against Betis, the setbacks against Elche and a match against Espanyol in which Espi rescued the team at the last moment. The club has lived off bursts of good play that allowed it to win comfortably, especially at the Bernabéu, but it has shown a worrying tendency to switch off. Those lapses have not been brief: in several matches the team has completely lost the thread, been pinned back in its own area and struggled to find a clear outlet.

That lack of consistency makes it hard to assess Mourinho's work with optimism. There have been glimpses of an electric, transitional and high-pressing Real Madrid, true to the Portuguese coach's idea, capable of dominating and creating chances. But the team has lacked efficiency when on top and, above all, has shown too much fragility when opponents push back. It splits in two, Courtois ends up launching aimless long balls and the midfield fails to take control.

Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler, Real Madrid's attacking weapons

The Frenchman has not escaped criticism, but the reality is similar to last season: this Real Madrid depends on his goals. Mbappé keeps scoring regularly and battles Raphinha for the Pichichi, with the Brazilian challenging him for the top scorer spot. Alongside him, Güler has produced brilliant moments and become his main attacking partner. Bellingham also seems to be rediscovering his touch and his goals now that he plays closer to the area, a position where he feels more comfortable.

Real Madrid have been a team of flashes: capable of thrashing opponents at home and vanishing at decisive moments of matches.

Yan Diomande knocks on the door of the starting eleven

One of the names growing the most in this opening stretch is Yan Diomande. He has impressed in his last three appearances: two starts against Rayo and Elche, plus minutes in the derby that confirm he is ready to fight for a place among the regulars in attack. His progress adds competition to an area where not everyone is performing at the expected level.

Espi also deserves recognition. Despite limited playing time, he has already won over the Bernabéu crowd. His role in the match against Espanyol was crucial to avoid another setback.

The subdued version of Vinicius that worries the Bernabéu

The Brazilian arrived short of rhythm after the holidays, but with a third of the season already played, that explanation no longer holds. Vinicius has scored only one goal and remains out of sorts in front of goal. In the derby, Mourinho substituted him very early, a decision that highlighted his poor form. Even so, the coach's confidence and the club's backing remain intact: in fact, he has just renewed his contract. The Portuguese manager's mission now is to bring back the best version of a player who looks subdued and is under the watchful eye of the Bernabéu.

Tchouaméni, Valverde and a midfield without control

The double pivot formed by Tchouaméni and Valverde is not imposing itself either. Real Madrid are struggling to dominate matches from midfield, and that shortcoming explains much of why the team loses control so often. Without a midfield capable of taking charge, games become tense and the side ends up split in two, unable to play out from the back with purpose.

In defense, Dumfries and Konaté will need to show more to win over the Bernabéu faithful. Bernardo Silva has not been seen much either, another player expected to contribute and from whom more was anticipated at the start of the season.

Balance of the first stretch: Real Madrid score a 4 out of 10

With the derby as the climax of a series of uneven results and performances, this start to the season earns a 4 out of 10. The best has been the emergence of that electric, vertical and pressing Madrid that Mourinho wants: a team that has scored goals, dominated and defended well, but without consistency. The worst has been the need for too many chances to score, the lack of efficiency when on top and the disconnects that leave it pinned back in its own area with no clear way out.

Frequently asked questions about Real Madrid's start to the season