Real Madrid started their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter at the Bernabeu, but the win raised as many questions as it answered about Jose Mourinho's side. The result was hard-fought against a former club Mourinho knows well, and the manner of the performance left several fault lines exposed. Federico Valverde admitted publicly that players ignored tactical instructions in the second half, allowing Inter back into the match, while Jude Bellingham was openly self-critical about missed chances that could have made the scoreline more comfortable. Mourinho, characteristically defiant, insisted he thrives in difficult circumstances, but the cracks in discipline and execution are ones he will need to address quickly.

The Vinicius Junior situation adds another layer of tension. The Brazilian was substituted late on and booed by sections of the Bernabeu crowd, with Mourinho stepping in to defend him publicly, describing his form as a work in progress. Off the pitch, the club is moving to secure its long-term foundations, with reports of a contract extension being prepared for Thibaut Courtois following his heroics against Inter, and talks underway to tie Bellingham down until 2031.

Sitting fourth in LaLiga with nine points from four games, Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. It is a chance to build momentum domestically, but only if Mourinho can translate his post-match defiance into a more disciplined and cohesive performance on the pitch.