Welcome to The Euro Debrief, Sky Sports' fresh weekly roundup where columnist Adam Bate distills the most compelling narratives from the latest continental fixtures. This edition focuses on Real Madrid’s flawless start under Jose Mourinho, a series of notable results across Europe, and the emerging storylines that could shape the rest of the season. Real Madrid have now secured three straight victories, the most recent a dominant 4-0 demolition of Malaga at the iconic Bernabeu. While the opposition has not yet presented a severe test, the performance offers a glimpse of Mourinho’s evolving tactical blueprint for a squad that is becoming increasingly deep and versatile.
The Portuguese manager appears to have unlocked a new level of cohesion, especially in the way he utilizes Jude Bellingham. Trent Alexander‑Arnold contributed his trademark pinpoint assist, and Kylian Mbappé, fresh off a mid‑week hat‑trick against Real Sociedad, added another goal to his tally.
Yet it was Bellingham who stole the spotlight, operating in a creative No.10 role that seemed tailor‑made for his skill set. Throughout his Madrid tenure, the English midfielder has been deployed in a variety of positions—deep‑lying playmaker under Carlo Ancelotti, wide midfielder, and even as a forward. Mourinho, however, has been explicit about his vision: Bellingham should sit just behind Mbappé, linking midfield and attack, and the early signs suggest the plan is bearing fruit.
The rapport between player and coach may not be surprising. In 2024, Bellingham humorously disclosed that Mourinho was his mother’s crush, a light‑hearted anecdote that underscores a deeper, shared intensity.
Both men demand excellence and possess an unrelenting drive, a combination that is already evident in the way Madrid’s key figures are performing. In the Malaga match, substitute Arda Güler arrived to net the fourth goal, while Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva also came off the bench, highlighting the breadth of talent at the club. Even seasoned campaigners such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and the week‑old hero Carlos Espí were available, underscoring the depth that Mourinho now enjoys.
Looking ahead, the challenges will inevitably intensify. As noted by Marca, Madrid has historically stumbled in games that appeared straightforward, but so far Mourinho has navigated the early fixtures without a hitch.
Moreover, there are no visible signs of the rumored friction with Vinícius Júnior, suggesting that the dressing‑room atmosphere remains largely harmonious. Beyond the capital, other noteworthy results unfolded across Europe. Atletico Madrid snapped Sevilla’s surprising unbeaten run, while Troy Parrott impressed for Betis before they were overwhelmed by Levante.
Veteran striker Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, now 37, continued his scoring streak with a third consecutive goal for Deportivo. Racing Santander finally tasted victory in LaLiga after two defeats, edging Elche 3‑2 with a brand of football that defies conventional Spanish tactics. Their win marked a remarkable comeback for a club that has oscillated between the third tier and top flight in recent years.
In Germany, Bayern Munich opened the Bundesliga with a resounding 5‑1 win over Stuttgart, showcasing the squad’s depth even without Harry Kane on the scoresheet. New signing Ismael Saibari, who entered as a substitute for fellow newcomer Nathaniel Brown, provided two assists for the final goals, illustrating why sporting director Christoph Freund praised his versatility and potential to complement Kane on either flank. Borussia Dortmund secured a 2‑0 victory over Hamburg thanks to Giannis Konstantelias, but the joy was short‑lived as the Greek winger suffered a cruciate ligament rupture, likely sidelining him for months. The injury is a significant blow for Niko Kovač, whose early tenure at Dortmund had appeared promising.
Bayer Leverkusen endured a shocking 3‑2 defeat at the hands of newly promoted Elversberg, a club that only entered the Bundesliga three seasons ago after a rapid ascent from regional leagues. Their loss to the eventual 2024 champions highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition. Further Bundesliga highlights included Yuito Suzuki’s hat‑trick for Freiburg against Werder Bremen and Augsburg’s 3‑0 triumph over Schalke, with sporting director Benjamin Weber discussing the club’s strategy to sustain overachievement. In Serie A, Como secured a 2‑1 win over Napoli, with Rasmus Højlund’s goal for the visitors ultimately insufficient.
Cesc Fàbregas’s side impressed, particularly through the performances of Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina, whose pressing led to the decisive goal for Anastasios Douvikas. Meanwhile, Inter Milan, already atop the table, beat Cagliari 1‑0 despite a modest shot count, while AC Milan’s 2‑0 victory over Venezia showcased Gonçalo Ramos’s relentless effort, justifying his £63 million transfer fee despite a lack of clinical finishing. In Ligue 1, Paris Saint‑Germain’s shaky start continued with a 2‑2 draw at Lille, salvaged by late goals from Vitinha and Marquinhos.
Lille’s Dilane Bakwa scored on debut, assisted by Olivier Giroud, but PSG’s resilience kept them unbeaten, albeit without a win in three matches. Monaco remains the only team with a perfect record after a 2‑0 win over Marseille, while Paris FC’s 3‑0 demolition of Nice propelled them to second place, surpassing the capital’s flagship club.
Portugal’s Primeira Liga saw Benfica, under Marco Silva, recover from an opening‑day loss to Academico de Viseu, while Porto continue their flawless run, conceding no goals in four matches. In the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar maintains a 100 percent record, eyeing their first title since 2009, while PSV demonstrated their intent with a 6‑1 thrashing of Utrecht.
Ajax, under new manager Michel, have already accumulated seven wins and two draws, securing a spot in the UEFA Conference League. Overall, the early weeks of the European season have delivered a blend of dominant performances, surprising upsets, and emerging narratives. Mourinho’s ability to harness Bellingham’s creativity, Bayern’s depth, and the resilience of clubs like Racing Santander and Monaco suggest a campaign that will be as unpredictable as it is exciting.
Stay tuned for further analysis as the storylines develop.