Welcome to The Euro Debrief, a fresh Sky Sports column where Adam Bate distills the most compelling narratives from the latest continental fixtures. This week’s focus falls on Real Madrid’s continued dominance under Jose Mourinho, the ripple effects across other European leagues, and a handful of surprising storylines that are shaping the early season landscape. Mourinho’s side have now secured three wins from three matches, highlighted by a commanding 4-0 victory over Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
While the fixture list has not yet presented a true test of depth, the performance offers a clear signal: Mourinho appears to have unlocked a formula that maximises the output of an increasingly talented and deep squad. The match showcased a blend of familiar Madrid flair and tactical nuance. Trent Alexander‑Arnold delivered a classic pinpoint assist, while Kylian Mbappé, fresh from a mid‑week hat‑trick against Real Sociedad, added another goal to his tally.
Yet it was Jude Bellingham who stole the spotlight, operating in a No.10 role and dictating the tempo against Malaga. Bellingham’s influence was evident in every pass, movement, and defensive contribution, confirming that he is now the fulcrum of Mourinho’s attacking blueprint.
Historically, Bellingham’s position at Madrid has been fluid. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the English midfielder was deployed in deeper midfield slots, stretched out wide, and even pushed forward as a striker, reflecting his versatile skill set. Mourinho, however, has been explicit about his vision: Bellingham should sit just behind Mbappé, linking play and creating space for the French forward.
The early results suggest this partnership is already bearing fruit. The rapport between player and manager may not be accidental. In 2024, Bellingham humorously disclosed 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, qualities that seem to complement each other on the training ground and the pitch.
The second half saw Arda Güler arrive from the bench to net the fourth goal, while Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva also featured as substitutes. Even the bench depth was on display, with names like Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espinosa (the hero of last week’s encounter) waiting in the wings. The breadth of talent at Madrid is now unmistakable, and Mourinho appears comfortable rotating his squad without losing cohesion.
Looking ahead, the challenge will inevitably intensify. As Marca noted, Madrid has historically stumbled in matches that appear routine on paper. So far, Mourinho has navigated those potential pitfalls adeptly, and there are no early signs of the rumored tension with Vinícius Júnior.
Key players seem content, and the squad’s chemistry is humming. Beyond Spain, other noteworthy developments unfolded across Europe.
Atletico Madrid halted Sevilla’s surprising unbeaten run, delivering a crucial win that could reshape the LaLiga hierarchy. Meanwhile, Troy Parrott impressed for Betis, though Levante ultimately overpowered his side.
In a remarkable display of longevity, 37‑year‑old Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang scored for the third consecutive game for Deportivo, proving age is just a number. Racing Santander finally broke their winless streak, securing a 3‑2 triumph over Elche in only their third LaLiga match. The club, which has oscillated between the top flight and the third tier in recent years, employed a daring brand of football that few Spanish teams have attempted, emphasizing high‑pressing and rapid transitions. In Germany, Bayern Munich kicked off the Bundesliga campaign with a resounding 5‑1 demolition of Stuttgart, underscoring their squad depth.
Notably, Harry Kane did not find the net; instead, new signing Ismael Saïbari, who entered as a substitute for fellow newcomer Nathaniel Brown, assisted the final two goals. Sporting director Christoph Freund praised Saïbari’s versatility, highlighting his ability to complement Kane on the wing and contribute creatively. Borussia Dortmund’s 2‑0 win over Hamburg was marred by a serious injury to Greek winger Giannis Konstantelias, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear after his first start.
The loss is a blow to Niko Kovač’s side, especially after a promising start to the season, but the victory still provides a cushion in the early table. Bayer Leverkusen experienced a humbling 3‑2 defeat at the hands of newly promoted Elversberg, a club that only ascended to the Bundesliga in 2024 after three successive promotions. Their upset illustrates the unpredictability of the league and sets up an intriguing clash with Bayern later in the season.
Further Bundesliga highlights included Yuito Suzuki’s hat‑trick for Freiburg against Werder Bremen and Augsburg’s solid 3‑0 win over Schalke. Augsburg’s sporting director Benjamin Weber discussed the club’s strategy of over‑achieving through disciplined recruitment and tactical flexibility.
In Serie A, Napoli’s Rasmus Højlund scored a fine goal but could not prevent a 2‑1 loss to Como, who were orchestrated by a well‑drilled side built around Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina. Baturina opened the scoring and his pressing play created the decisive chance for Anastasios Douvikas. Meanwhile, Inter Milan, already top of the table, displayed relentless intent with 31 shots in a 1‑0 win over Cagliari, despite a modest expected‑goals figure. AC Milan’s 2‑0 victory over Venezia showcased Gonçalo Ramos, whose eight attempts and four big chances highlighted why the club invested £63 million in the Portuguese striker.
Although his finishing was not clinical, his constant movement and ability to draw defenders remain valuable assets. In France, 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, who also provided the pass for Vitinha’s winner. PSG’s lack of a win in three matches has raised questions about their early‑season form.
Monaco, however, remains the only Ligue 1 side with a perfect record, having beaten Marseille 2‑0 thanks to a brace from teenage talent Paris Brunner. Paris FC, not PSG, currently occupies the highest position for a Parisian club, climbing to second after a 3‑0 demolition of Nice. In Portugal, Benfica’s Marco Silva faces a daunting task after a home loss to Académico de Viseu, while Porto, under Francesco Farioli, sit unbeaten with four wins and a solid defensive record.
In the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar boasts the sole perfect record, chasing their first Eredivisie title since 2009. PSV Eindhoven responded with a 6‑1 thrashing of Utrecht, and Ajax’s new forward Tolu Arokodare added a fourth goal in three games during a 4‑0 win at Telstar, keeping the Dutch giants in the conversation despite a turbulent season. Overall, the opening weeks across Europe have delivered a mixture of expected dominance, surprising upsets, and emerging narratives.
Mourinho’s ability to harness Bellingham’s creativity, Bayern’s depth, and the rise of underdogs like Elversberg and Racing Santander suggest a season full of intrigue and shifting fortunes. Stay tuned for further analysis as the campaigns progress.