Is the ‘honeymoon period’ at Real Madrid over for Mourinho? Seven matches have raised several questions.

Football has entered its first international break since the World Cup. Nearly a month of the new season has already passed in European club football. In La Liga, too, after seven matches, the initial picture of Real Madrid's new chapter is becoming reasonably clear.

Five wins in seven matches under José Mourinho—statistically, the start isn't bad. Kylian Mbappé’s goal-scoring form is also a source of relief. However, Real Madrid cannot be judged solely on victories against relatively weaker opponents at home. Defeats—1-0 against Real Betis and 2-1 against Atlético Madrid—have instead highlighted some lingering issues.

On the other hand, Barcelona sits at the top with seven wins from seven matches. Having lost to Atlético, Real has fallen five points behind the leaders—meaning pressure has mounted right from the start.

So, what has been observed so far in this new Real Madrid side?

Answers are emerging regarding questions surrounding Güler

There is nothing new to be said about Arda Güler’s talent. However, there were questions about his role at the start of the season under Mourinho. Jude Bellingham is a strong contender for the number 10 position, while the arrival of Yan Diomande from Leipzig for €125 million has intensified competition on the right flank.

On-field performances, however, are making Güler’s importance clear. With 28 key passes in the current La Liga season, he leads the league—surpassing Lamine Yamal by one, even though the Barcelona star has played approximately 230 minutes more.

When Real’s attack lacks creativity, Güler’s presence can alleviate the issue. Whether on the right wing or in the center, the case for including him in the starting XI is becoming increasingly compelling.

Mourinho himself has acknowledged the impact of both Diomande and Güler. After the 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, he remarked that Güler made a tangible difference to the team's play after coming onto the pitch. Carlos Espi Evolving into ‘Joselu Junior’

The role of Carlos Espi—who arrived from Levante for €25 million—was clear from the start: to serve as a backup to Mbappé.

Securing a spot in the starting XI might prove difficult for him. However, the 21-year-old Spanish forward has already caught the eye with his ability to come off the bench and change the course of a match.

Despite spending only 25 minutes on the pitch, Espi has scored two goals that earned Real four points. His impact could have been even greater had a last-minute goal against Betis not been disallowed for offside.

Thanks to his physical strength, aerial prowess, and knack for arriving in the box at the right moment, his teammates have nicknamed him ‘Joselu Junior.’ Espi himself has mentioned that Mourinho specifically tasked him with supporting Mbappé.

Diomande, the €125 Million Signing, Still Settling In

Ian Diomande is Real’s biggest summer signing. Madrid spent €125 million to bring him in from Leipzig, with an additional €15 million in potential bonuses.

However, Mourinho does not believe that such a massive transfer fee automatically guarantees a starting spot in every match. Before the game against Rayo, he made it clear that Diomande’s experience in top-flight European football is still limited and that he needs time to develop gradually.

An assist against Elche did offer a glimpse of his talent. Yet, Mourinho’s strategy appears to be giving the 19-year-old time to settle in, rather than expecting a polished performance right away.

The Mbappé-Vinícius Equation Remains Unresolved

This is arguably one of Real’s biggest tactical dilemmas.

Playing centrally in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Mbappé is scoring regularly. However, his positional and attacking chemistry with Vinícius Júnior is not yet fully fluid. This issue has come under the spotlight again following the defeat against Atlético. Analysis shows the two stars operating in roughly the same areas of the pitch.

While Mbappé's individual form is a major positive for the team, a solution still needs to be found to maximize the effectiveness of both him and Vinícius simultaneously.

Is the 'old Mourinho' making a comeback?

Mourinho's second stint at Madrid began on a much more subdued note. However, following the season's first major setbacks, glimpses of his old persona are resurfacing.

In the post-match press conference following the defeat to Atlético, he heavily criticized the referee's decisions. He questioned the red card shown to Dean Huijsen and the failure to issue cards for several challenges by Atlético players. He even questioned the appointment of match referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias.

Mourinho claimed that certain decisions went against Real. Meanwhile, Atlético coach Diego Simeone emphasized the team's performance and control over the match.

In other words, the 'old Mourinho' hasn't been fully left behind off the pitch either.

Where exactly does the problem lie in Madrid's midfield?

One of the most discussed shortcomings during Real's summer transfer window was the absence of a deep-lying midfielder capable of controlling the game from just in front of the defense.

So far, Mourinho has been rotating various options—including Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga, Güler, and Bernardo Silva—but the desired balance in midfield has yet to be fully established.

This is also reflected in ball possession. The situation became even more difficult against Atlético after Real was reduced to ten men. Although Mourinho complained about the officiating, post-match analysis highlighted Atlético's clear dominance in controlling the game.

Federico Valverde's injury has further complicated matters; an ankle injury has sidelined him during the international break.