Real Madrid's new era under the returning Jose Mourinho hasn't exactly gotten off to the start many were expecting. Many were expecting that the change in manager, as well as the new summer signings, would breathe new life into the team following the back-to-back trophyless seasons, and bring a new hunger and drive to Real Madrid. However, that hasn't been the case.
Real Madrid have looked off the pace through the first seven games of the new season, failing to convince in any of their performances so far. Real have already conceded seven goals in eight games, with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan being the only 'big teams' they have played so far.
The team needed stoppage time winners from Carlos Espi against Espanyol and Elche, and with losses to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, Los Blancos are already falling off the pace of Barcelona, and unfortunately for them, the season won't get any easier after the international break.
Real Madrid face the gauntlet when they return from international break
For Jose Mourinho, he will need to take advantage of the three-week international break to strategize for the upcoming matches because if he thought the first seven matches were tough, the next five don't get any easier whatsoever. Real Madrid's first match back after the international break is a home clash with Villarreal, who currently sit ninth in the league, and despite being in poor form, can prove to be a difficult match for Real Madrid at times.
Next, Real Madrid return to Champions League action with a trip to Italy to take on Roma, who currently sit top of Serie A. Gasperini has his men flying at the moment, scoring 14 goals and only conceding three. With Real still struggling at the back and with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen finding the back of the net with ease, it could be a long night in the Italian capital for Real Madrid.
Next, Real Madrid return home to take on Sevilla, who sit just two points behind Los Blancos in the table. Sevilla can prove to be a tricky lock to pick for Real Madrid at times, and with Barcelona already beating Sevilla 3-1, Real will be expected to match or better that result, something that, at the moment, the team doesn't look like they can do.
Real Madrid will then play host to RB Leipzig in the Champions League, a game that could prove tough for Los Blancos. Real only beat Leipzig 1-0 at the Bernabeu back in the 23/24 season, and despite the German side currently sitting ninth in the Bundesliga, they are a team you can never count out, with a number of top-class youngsters that could give Real Madrid trouble.
And finally we have the big one, a trip to Barcelona for El Clasico on October 25th, a game that goes without saying is a must-win. Real are already six points behind the league leaders, anything less than the full three points is unacceptable for Real Madrid already at this stage of the season.
Real Madrid has won just one of the last seven Clasico matchups going back to the start of the 24/25 season, and if there was any fight in this team, they would be motivated to go out on the pitch and put in a performance to show everyone that Real Madrid are serious this season, but given what we've seen so far this season, that most likely won't be what happens.
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