The Euro Debrief is a fresh Sky Sports feature where columnist Adam Bate distils the most compelling narratives from the latest continental fixtures. This edition focuses on Real Madrid’s continued dominance under Jose Mourinho, the ripple effects across Europe’s top leagues, and a handful of standout performances that are shaping the early season.
Real Madrid have now secured three wins from three matches with Mourinho at the helm, the latest being a clinical 4-0 demolition of Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu. While the schedule has not yet presented the toughest opposition, the victory offers clear evidence that Mourinho has begun to extract the maximum from a squad that is deeper and more versatile than ever before.
The Portuguese tactician appears to have found a formula that blends his disciplined approach with the creative flair of his star players. In the Malaga game, Trent Alexander‑Arnold delivered a classic, incisive cross that resulted in a textbook assist, while Kylian Mbappé, fresh off a mid‑week hat‑trick against Real Sociedad, added another goal to his tally.
However, it was Jude Bellingham who stole the spotlight, operating from a false‑nine or No.10 position and dictating the tempo of the match. Bellingham’s performance was a masterclass in transitional play, linking midfield and attack with composure beyond his years.
Bellingham’s role at Madrid has evolved since his arrival. Under Carlo Ancelotti he was deployed in a variety of positions – deeper in midfield, out wide, and even as a striker – reflecting his all‑round skill set.
Mourinho, however, has been explicit about his vision: Bellingham should function just behind Mbappé, using his vision and movement to create space and supply the French forward. The partnership is already yielding results, as evidenced by the fluid attacking sequences that overwhelmed Malaga’s defence. The rapport between player and manager may not be surprising. In 2024 Bellingham famously confessed that Mourinho was his mother’s crush, a light‑hearted anecdote that hinted at a deeper mutual respect.
Both men share an intense competitive drive and a demand for excellence from everyone around them, a cultural fit that is beginning to pay dividends on the pitch. Substitutes also made an impact. Arda Güler entered the fray to net the fourth goal, while Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva came off the bench, adding fresh legs to a side already brimming with depth. The bench also featured Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and the previous week’s hero Carlos Espinosa, underscoring the breadth of talent at Mourinho’s disposal.
Looking beyond Spain, other leagues have produced intriguing storylines. Atletico Madrid snapped Sevilla’s unexpected winning streak, while Troy Parrott impressed for Betis before a heavy defeat to Levante.
Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, now 37, continued his scoring run with a third consecutive goal for Deportivo A Coruña. Racing Santander finally tasted LaLiga victory on their third attempt, beating Elche 3-2 with a brand of football that defied conventional Spanish tactics. Their win highlighted the unpredictable nature of the league and the resilience of clubs that have climbed back from the third tier.
In Germany, Bayern Munich opened the Bundesliga with a 5-1 thrashing of Stuttgart, showcasing the squad’s depth. Notably, new signing Ismael Saibari, who replaced fellow newcomer Nathaniel Brown, provided assists for the final two goals, illustrating the versatility that sporting director Christoph Freund praised. Freund likened Saibari’s style to a hybrid of Nicolas Jackson, capable of complementing Harry Kane while also operating effectively on the wings.
Borussia Dortmund, despite a 2-0 win over Hamburg, suffered a blow when Greek winger Giannis Konstantelias sustained a cruciate ligament injury, ending his promising start prematurely. The loss is a setback for Niko Kovac’s side, which had begun the season with an attractive brand of football. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen endured a shocking 3-2 defeat at the hands of newly promoted Elversberg, a club that had only been playing regional football as recently as 2022. Their rapid ascent to the Bundesliga and immediate impact against the reigning champions serve as a reminder of the league’s competitive volatility.
Other Bundesliga highlights included Yuito Suzuki’s hat‑trick for Freiburg against Werder Bremen and Augsburg’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Schalke, with sporting director Benjamin Weber discussing the club’s strategy to maintain overachievement. In Serie A, Como upset Napoli 2-1, with Martin Baturina’s pressing play setting up the winner for Anastasios Douvikas.
The result was a statement of intent for the modest club, while traditional powerhouses Inter, Juventus, Lazio and AC Milan each maintained perfect records in their first four games. Inter’s 1-0 win over Cagliari featured a staggering 31 shots, reflecting a dominant performance despite a modest scoreline. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s 2-0 triumph over Venezia highlighted Gonçalo Ramos’s involvement; his eight attempts and four clear chances underscored why Milan invested £63 million in him, even as PSG allowed his departure. In France, Paris Saint‑Germain continued their uneven start, salvaging a 2-2 draw at Lille with late goals from Vitinha and Marquinhos.
The match also saw a debut strike from Nottingham Forest loanee Dilane Bakwa, assisted by Olivier Giroud. Ligue 1’s early table shows Monaco unbeaten after a 2-0 win over Marseille, while Paris FC, not PSG, currently sits second after a 3-0 victory over Nice. Portugal’s Benfica, after a stumble against Academico de Viseu, faces a daunting challenge to dethrone Porto, who remain unbeaten and have not conceded a goal this season. In the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar holds the sole perfect record, while PSV demonstrated firepower with a 6-1 demolition of Utrecht.
Ajax, under new manager Michel, secured a 4-0 away win at Telstar, keeping their European hopes alive. Overall, the opening weeks across Europe reveal a blend of expected dominance and surprising upsets.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid appear to be finding a rhythm that maximises Bellingham’s creative influence, while the depth of squads in Spain, Germany and Italy suggests a competitive season ahead. The Euro Debrief will continue to track these developments, offering insight into tactics, player performances and the evolving narratives that define the continent’s football landscape.