As we enter the final international break of 2026, the mood among Real Madrid fans is very different to how everyone felt going into the previous window. Following defeat in the Madrid derby, there were serious questions about this team, with many fearing an unthinkable third successive trophyless season.
Well, in between the two international breaks, Real Madrid have won eight out of eight, continuing their perfect start in the Champions League, closing the gap in La Liga down to just six points, courtesy of a Clásico victory at Camp Nou.
José Mourinho appears to have settled on a preferred lineup, naming the same ten starting outfielders both against Barcelona and then for Saturday's 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla. So, now feels like a good time to assess the key winners and losers of the Mourinho-era thus far.
Winner: Yan Diomande
El 𝗚 𝗢 𝗟 𝗔 𝗭 𝗢 de Yan Diomande. 🚀@realmadrid | LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/U31JtXurcU
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) November 4, 2026
It should not be too surprising, considering he did cost €125 million, but Yan Diomande has quickly established himself as a star. Nevertheless, just over two years ago, the teenager was playing for DME Academy in Florida, as well as getting sporadic minutes for Leganés as los Pepineros were relegated.
Well, after bursting onto the scene at RB Leipzig, the Ivorian has gone to another level since returning to the Spanish capital. Diomande has netted four times for los Blancos so far, bagging three in his last five La Liga appearances, and it will be difficult to leave him out when a certain team mate returns to the fold.
Loser: Vinícius Júnior
When looking back at Real Madrid worst transfer window decisions, many would point to expensive signings that did not work out; Eden Hazard for example. However, right up there, as a decision Florentino Pérez should rue, is not selling Vinícius Júnior when they had the chance. In the summer, as the Brazilian entered the final 12 months of his contract, Arsenal were willing to pay in excess of €100 million to secure the 26 year's signature.
Instead, they convinced Vini Jr to stay, signing a new six-year contract, reportedly earning €600,000-per-weeks. Well, having scored just one goal this season, on target against Real Sociedad in August, he has not proved this to be the right move.
It is surely no coincidence that, following his red card against Villarreal for tugging Nathan Saliba's, los Merengues have looked far more cohesive and won every game, including the Clásico. When Real Madrid return to action against Celta Vigo, there is no logical reason why Vinícius should return in place of Diomande, and his problem might be that Mourinho is brave enough to leave him out.
Winner: Arda Güler
Another key reason behind the balance Real Madrid have found in Vinícius' absence is Arda Güler's form. Xabi Alonso attempted to turn the Turkish international into the new Toni Kroos, deploying him deeper, but the 21 year old is now showing what he is truly capable of.
Güler has four goals and seven assists to his name this season already, leading La Liga in terms of chances created as well as assists, expected assists and numerous other metrics. If Diomande's form means he has to start, the same is true of Güler, flourishing under Mourinho.
Loser: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Before the season began, there was debate over which of Real Madrid's world class right-backs would be first-choice. Well, as it transpired, neither. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries were once again sat on the bench together on Saturday night, with Mourinho favouring Fede Valverde in that role.
The Englishman in particular has started just four La Liga games this season, these against Málaga, Elche, Villarreal and Racing Santander, clearly not trusted against high-level sides. If Mourinho is a success at Madrid, it feels as though Alexander-Arnold will be squeezed out.
Winner: Dean Huijsen
Across the previous two miserable seasons, one of the primary reasons for Real Madrid's poor results has been a rotating cast of injured centre-backs. None of Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger nor the now departed David Alaba have been able to stay fit, forcing Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa to deploy Aurélien Tchouaméni and substandard Raúl Asencio at the back.
Thus, Ibrahima Konaté has been a welcome addition, but it is Dean Huijsen who has established himself as the undisputed first-choice. He is a player Mourinho knows, their paths crossed at Roma, and Huijsen has started 12 of the 15 matches he has been available for since Mourinho landed in Madrid. Despite the other senior options, the 21 year old is clearly trusted by his manager.
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