Welcome to The Euro Debrief, a fresh Sky Sports feature where Adam Bate summarises the most compelling storylines emerging from this week’s 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 surprising results that could shape the season ahead.
Real Madrid have now recorded three wins from three matches under Mourinho, highlighted by a clinical 4-0 demolition of Malaga at the Bernabeu. While the opposition has not yet presented a severe test, the performance offers clear evidence that Mourinho has begun to unlock the full potential of an increasingly deep and talented squad. The match showcased a blend of familiar Madrid brilliance and new tactical nuances. Trent Alexander‑Arnold supplied a trademark cross that resulted in a gleaming assist, while Kylian Mbappé, fresh from a mid‑week hat‑trick against Real Sociedad, added another goal to his tally.
However, it was Jude Bellingham who stole the spotlight, operating in a free‑roaming No 10 role and dictating the tempo against Malaga. Bellingham’s journey at Madrid has been a lesson in adaptability.
Under Carlo Ancelotti he was deployed in various positions – deeper in midfield, out wide, and even as a forward – to exploit his all‑round skill set. Mourinho, however, has been explicit about his vision: Bellingham should partner with Mbappé, playing just behind the French striker. The chemistry between the two has been evident, with Bellingham providing the creative spark that allows Mbappé to flourish. The rapport between player and manager may not be a surprise.
In 2024 Bellingham famously admitted that Mourinho was his mother’s crush, a light‑hearted comment that hinted at a deeper mutual respect. Both men share an intense drive and a demanding mentality, expecting nothing less than total commitment from everyone around them. The second half saw Arda Güler enter the fray and add a fourth goal, while Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva also came off the bench. The bench itself featured a host of quality options – Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and the previous week’s hero Carlos Espi – underscoring the depth that now characterises Madrid’s squad.
Looking ahead, the fixtures will inevitably become tougher. As noted in Marca, Madrid have historically stumbled in games that appear straightforward on paper. So far, Mourinho’s side have avoided those pitfalls, and there are no visible signs of the rumored tension with Vinícius Júnior.
Key players appear content, and the squad’s harmony is palpable. Beyond Spain, other noteworthy developments unfolded across Europe.
Atletico Madrid halted Sevilla’s surprising run with a solid win, while Troy Parrott impressed for Betis before they were overwhelmed by Levante. Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, now 37, continued his scoring streak with a third consecutive goal for Deportivo.
Racing Santander finally secured their first LaLiga victory after two defeats, edging Elche 3‑2 with a brand of football that stands out in the Spanish landscape. Their ascent from the third tier to top‑flight success illustrates the unpredictable nature of the league.
In Germany, Bayern Munich opened the Bundesliga with a resounding 5‑1 triumph over Stuttgart, highlighting the squad’s depth. Notably, new signing Ismael Saibari, who entered as a substitute for fellow newcomer Nathaniel Brown, assisted the final two goals. Sporting director Christoph Freund praised Saibari’s versatility, noting that he can complement Harry Kane both centrally and on the wings, making him a valuable addition beyond a mere backup role.
Borussia Dortmund, despite a 2‑0 win over Hamburg, suffered a blow when Greek winger Giannis Konstantelias sustained a cruciate ligament injury in his first start. The loss is a setback for Niko Kovač, who had been building an exciting project at the club. Bayer Leverkusen experienced a shock defeat, falling 3‑2 to newly promoted Elversberg – a club that only reached the Bundesliga in 2024 after three successive promotions. Their victory over the reigning champions serves as a reminder that the league remains fiercely competitive.
Other Bundesliga highlights included Yuito Suzuki’s hat‑trick for Freiburg against Werder Bremen and Augsburg’s 3‑0 win over Schalke, with sporting director Benjamin Weber outlining the club’s strategy to sustain over‑achievement. In Serie A, Como upset Napoli 2‑1, with Rasmus Højlund’s goal for the visitors proving insufficient against a well‑organised side led by Cesc Fàbregas.
Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina shone for Como, scoring the opener and pressing relentlessly to create the winning chance for Anastasios Douvikas. Meanwhile, Inter Milan continue to dominate the table, having won their first four matches, while AC Milan’s 2‑0 victory over Venezia highlighted Gonçalo Ramos’s impact despite a relatively low conversion rate. In France, Paris Saint‑Germain’s shaky start persisted with a 2‑2 draw at Lille, requiring late goals from Vitinha and Marquinhos to salvage a point.
Lille’s Dilane Bakwa scored on debut, assisted by Olivier Giroud. Monaco, however, remain the only Ligue 1 side with a perfect record, beating Marseille 2‑0 thanks to a brace from teenage sensation Paris Brunner. Paris FC, not PSG, currently sit highest among Parisian clubs after a 3‑0 win over Nice. Portugal’s Primeira Liga sees Benfica, under Marco Silva, attempting to challenge Francesco Farioli’s dominant Porto, who have kept a clean sheet in four matches.
In the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar maintain a flawless start, while PSV’s 6‑1 demolition of Utrecht demonstrates their intent, and Ajax’s new striker Tolu Arokodare added his fourth goal in three games during a 4‑0 win at Telstar. Overall, the opening weeks across Europe have delivered a mixture of expected dominance and surprising upsets. Mourinho’s ability to maximise Bellingham’s creativity, Bayern’s depth, and the emergence of smaller clubs like Elversberg and Racing Santander suggest a season rich with narrative twists. Fans can look forward to tighter contests as the calendars fill, and the early form displayed by the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern will be tested by the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.