Mourinho's Real Madrid faces five tests in sixteen days

While the noise of the derby has faded, Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho is set to endure a brutal sixteen‑day stretch that will reveal whether his project can survive beyond the early season turbulence. The Portuguese coach will meet Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla, Leipzig and Barcelona before the first classic of the campaign.

Early season setbacks and off‑field turmoil

The season opened with a dispute that pushed the ball to the background. After a clash of accusations, Real Madrid demanded the removal of Javier Tebas from the LaLiga presidency, a move that intensified the focus on Mourinho’s side. Chema Moya of EFE reported that the club issued a statement urging “with urgency a manager capable” to run the competition.

Recent results and squad availability

On the pitch, Real Madrid lost 2‑1 to Atlético, then fell 3‑2 to Elche, leaving them fourth in the Liga after the first round with fifteen points from a possible twenty‑one, six points behind Barcelona, who won all seven of their matches. A prior defeat to Betis (1‑0) added to the mounting concerns.

Injuries have further hampered the squad: Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero and Kang‑in Lee were shown photos by Mourinho at the Metropolitano to argue for expulsions, and the Technical Referees Committee later admitted an error that left Fede Valverde injured. The club’s roster is thin, with only seven players available as internationals depart for national duties.

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Upcoming fixtures and the test of depth

Villarreal will open the sequence on 10 October at the Santiago Bernabéu, followed by Roma at the Olímpico four days later, Sevilla on 18 October, Leipzig on 21 October and Barcelona on 25 October. No opponent offers a respite, meaning Mourinho must juggle results, effort and hierarchy under intense pressure.

In the Champions League, Real Madrid began with a 2‑1 win over Inter, with the Europa fixtures against Roma and Leipzig interspersed among three demanding league games, further testing the squad’s depth.

Key questions ahead of the classic

The sixteen‑day run will force answers to the September‑era doubts: can the midfield duo of Tchouaméni and Valverde provide the necessary control, will Vinícius improve his modest start, and how will the team balance an attack overly reliant on Kylian Mbappé with contributions from Diomande and new arrivals?

When the side finally meets Barcelona at the Camp Nou on 25 October, a third of the first half‑season will have passed, offering a clearer picture of whether the issues exposed at the Metropolitano were merely growing pains or enduring flaws.