Latest Real Madrid News: Mbappé, Mourinho, Bellingham and Champions League Plans

Real Madrid Maintain Perfect La Liga Start

Real Madrid remain unbeaten and perfect in La Liga after three rounds of the 2026/27 season. Their latest performance was a comprehensive 4-0 victory over newly promoted Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu on 30 August.

The result left Madrid with nine points from nine available and a two-point advantage over Atlético Madrid and Alavés at this early stage of the championship race. Reuters reported that Madrid effectively settled the Málaga contest during the opening half-hour before adding further gloss to the scoreline late in the game.

Mbappé Continues to Lead Madrid's Attack

Kylian Mbappé remains one of the biggest stories surrounding Real Madrid. The France international scored again against Málaga, adding to an explosive start to the season.

Mbappé had already produced a hat-trick in Madrid's 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad earlier in August. His performance in that match was particularly significant because it came during José Mourinho's first competitive home match back at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Against Málaga, Mbappé struck with a sharp volley after Trent Alexander-Arnold helped create the opportunity. The goal was another indication of how central the French forward remains to Madrid's attacking strategy.

With Mbappé operating alongside Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham and other attacking options, Madrid possess one of the most formidable forward groups in European football.

Jude Bellingham Makes an Early Impact

Jude Bellingham also made headlines in the Málaga victory by opening the scoring with a solo effort. The England international continues to occupy a prominent attacking role under Mourinho.

Bellingham's ability to arrive in the penalty area, carry the ball forward and contribute goals gives Mourinho considerable tactical flexibility. His relationship with Mbappé and Vinícius will be one of the most important attacking combinations to monitor throughout the campaign.

Arda Güler Provides Another Attacking Option

Arda Güler completed the 4-0 victory over Málaga by scoring in stoppage time. The Turkey international combined with Vinícius Jr. during the move before finishing the attack.

His goal provides another positive sign for a player competing for a regular role in a highly talented Madrid squad. Mourinho's use of Güler could become increasingly important as the schedule expands to include Champions League football.

Mourinho's Return Continues to Generate Headlines

José Mourinho's return to Real Madrid is arguably the biggest storyline surrounding the club away from the players. The Portuguese coach returned to the Bernabéu more than 13 years after his previous spell in charge.

Mourinho's second era has begun with three league victories. His approach has emphasized structure, defensive commitment and direct attacking transitions, while the depth of Madrid's squad gives him numerous options for rotating players.

Speaking before the Málaga match, Mourinho stressed that he believes the team has a strong squad with solutions in multiple positions. His comments reflected the club's confidence in the current group as Madrid prepare to compete on several fronts.

The early results have also given Mourinho valuable time to implement his ideas before the Champions League begins.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Impresses in Victory

Trent Alexander-Arnold was another positive feature of the Málaga victory. The former Liverpool full-back started the match and created the assist for Mbappé's goal.

His distribution and attacking contribution remain important elements of Madrid's tactical setup. With a demanding schedule ahead, Alexander-Arnold's ability to provide width and quality service from the right could prove particularly valuable.

Champions League: Inter Milan Await

Real Madrid now have one of their biggest challenges of the opening month ahead of them: the start of their 2026/27 Champions League campaign.

Madrid will host Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, 8 September at 9:00 p.m. CEST. The fixture is the first of Madrid's eight league-phase matches in the new Champions League format.

According to the club's official schedule, Real Madrid will also face PSV, RB Leipzig, LASK, Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and AEK Athens during the league phase.

Real Madrid's Champions League Schedule

• 8 September: Real Madrid vs Inter
• 29 September: PSV vs Real Madrid
• 21 October: Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig
• 4 November: AEK Athens vs Real Madrid
• 25 November: Real Madrid vs Arsenal
• 9 December: Roma vs Real Madrid
• 20 January: Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk
• 28 January: LASK vs Real Madrid

The Champions League schedule will test Madrid's squad depth, particularly as European fixtures begin to overlap with important domestic matches.

Next Match: Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Before the Champions League opener, Madrid face an away trip to Real Betis in La Liga.

The match is scheduled for Friday, 4 September 2026 at 9:00 p.m. CEST. It represents Madrid's opportunity to extend their perfect league record to four victories before turning their attention to Inter.

Match information

• Competition: La Liga
• Fixture: Real Betis vs Real Madrid
• Date: 4 September 2026
• Kick-off: 9:00 p.m. CEST
• Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín

Squad Building and Transfer Developments

Madrid have continued to manage their squad during the transfer window, including decisions involving younger players and academy graduates.

One recent confirmed departure is Manuel Ángel, with Real Madrid announcing on 1 September that they had reached an agreement with Fulham for the midfielder's transfer. The club said Manuel Ángel had joined Madrid in 2018.

Squad management will remain important as Mourinho attempts to balance development, rotation and the demands of three major competitions.

What the Early Season Tells Us

Three wins from three matches provide Madrid with an ideal platform, but the season is still in its opening stages. The next few weeks will offer a much stronger indication of the team's ceiling.

Mourinho's side have already demonstrated that they can score heavily, with Mbappé leading the attacking charge and Bellingham, Vinícius and Güler all contributing.

The more difficult question will be whether Madrid can maintain that attacking output while controlling matches against stronger opponents. The upcoming fixtures against Real Betis and Inter should provide early answers.

For Madrid supporters, however, the immediate picture is highly encouraging: the team sit top of La Liga with a perfect record, Mbappé is already producing decisive moments, Bellingham remains influential and Mourinho's return has begun with three victories.

Key Real Madrid Storylines to Watch

• Whether Madrid can maintain their perfect La Liga record.
• Mbappé's continued scoring form under Mourinho.
• Bellingham's evolving role in the attacking structure.
• How Mourinho balances Güler, Vinícius, Mbappé and the rest of the attack.
• Alexander-Arnold's influence from the right flank.
• Madrid's performance against Inter in their Champions League opener.
• How effectively the squad handles the increasing fixture congestion.