Real Madrid remain one of the biggest stories in European football as the 2026/27 season gathers momentum. With José Mourinho back in charge, Kylian Mbappé leading the attack and a squad packed with elite talent, expectations around the Spanish giants are once again extremely high.
The season has already provided plenty of drama. Real Madrid began the new La Liga campaign strongly, but their perfect start came to an end with a 1–0 defeat against Real Betis on September 4. The result gives the team an early setback but also highlights some of the challenges Mourinho’s side must solve during a long season.
Real Madrid’s Strong Start to the Season
Before the defeat against Betis, Real Madrid had made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The team collected three victories from their opening three league matches and scored 10 goals during that run. One of the standout performances came against newly promoted Málaga, when Madrid recorded a convincing 4–0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler were among the players involved in the goals during that impressive performance.
The early results suggested that Mourinho’s new Real Madrid project could develop into a serious title challenge.
However, the loss against Real Betis showed that the competition will not be straightforward.
Real Madrid Lose to Real Betis
Real Madrid suffered their first league defeat of the season against Real Betis, losing 1–0 in Seville.
Troy Parrott scored the decisive goal in the 81st minute after Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles had made an important save. Madrid pushed for an equalizer but could not find the breakthrough.
The biggest talking point came in stoppage time when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty. Kylian Mbappé stepped up, but Valles saved his attempt and Betis held on for a memorable victory.
The result was frustrating for Madrid because they created opportunities but lacked the finishing required to turn possession and chances into goals.
For Mourinho, the defeat is an early reminder that his team will need consistency as well as individual brilliance.
Kylian Mbappé Remains the Main Attacking Threat
Kylian Mbappé remains at the center of Real Madrid’s attacking ambitions.
The French forward has the pace, finishing ability and experience to decide major matches, and Madrid will expect him to produce a huge number of goals throughout the season.
Against Betis, however, Mbappé experienced a difficult night. He was unable to convert several opportunities and saw his late penalty saved.
One disappointing performance does not change his importance to the team. Real Madrid’s attacking system will continue to depend heavily on Mbappé’s movement and ability to create problems for opposition defenses.
Vinícius Júnior Adds Another Dimension
Alongside Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior remains one of the most dangerous players in the Real Madrid squad.
His acceleration and one-on-one ability make him difficult to defend, particularly when Madrid transition quickly from defense to attack.
The challenge for Mourinho is finding the best balance between Vinícius, Mbappé and the other attacking players.
When the attacking players combine effectively, Real Madrid can overwhelm opponents with speed and creativity. When they struggle to finish chances, however, matches can become much more difficult.
Jude Bellingham’s Importance
Jude Bellingham is another key player in Madrid’s plans.
The England international offers more than goals. His ability to carry the ball, press opponents and arrive in dangerous positions gives Real Madrid another attacking option from midfield.
Bellingham also scored during the team’s 4–0 victory over Málaga, demonstrating once again how valuable he can be in the final third.
His role could become even more important during periods when Madrid’s midfield options are limited.
Arda Güler Could Become a Major Star
Arda Güler is one of the players attracting significant attention around the Real Madrid squad.
The Turkish midfielder has excellent technical ability and can create opportunities through passing, movement and set-piece quality.
He also scored against Málaga, coming off the bench to complete the 4–0 victory.
Regular playing time could be particularly important for his development. If Güler continues to receive opportunities, he could become one of the most influential creative players in Mourinho’s squad.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid Project
José Mourinho’s return adds another fascinating element to the 2026/27 season.
The Portuguese manager is known for his tactical organization, competitive mentality and ability to prepare teams for high-pressure matches.
His priority will be to create a Real Madrid team that can compete consistently across La Liga and Europe.
That means improving defensive organization while also ensuring that Madrid’s collection of attacking stars works as a team.
The defeat against Betis provides Mourinho with an early tactical challenge. Madrid dominated parts of the game but could not turn their chances into goals.
A Difficult September Schedule
Real Madrid face a demanding period in September.
After the international break, the team will return to action against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on September 12.
They then travel to face Elche on September 15 before the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid on September 20. The club’s official schedule confirms the dates and kickoff times for these upcoming league fixtures.
This sequence of matches could provide a much clearer indication of Madrid’s title credentials.
The Madrid Derby Could Be Crucial
The meeting with Atlético Madrid on September 20 is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the early season.
Derbies often have a different atmosphere from normal league matches, and both teams will be looking to establish themselves among the leading contenders.
Real Madrid cannot afford to allow an early defeat against Betis to become the beginning of a poor run.
A strong response in the following matches would immediately restore confidence.
Real Madrid and the La Liga Title Race
Barcelona are also expected to be major contenders for the Spanish championship.
The Catalan club have started the 2026/27 season strongly, meaning Real Madrid will need to maintain a high level throughout the campaign.
Atlético Madrid are another important challenger.
With three traditional Spanish giants competing for the title, small mistakes could have a major impact on the final standings.
Real Madrid’s experience in high-pressure matches could become a major advantage as the season progresses.
Can Real Madrid Win the Champions League?
The Champions League will be another major objective.
Real Madrid traditionally enter the competition with ambitions of reaching the final stages, and Mourinho’s experience in European football adds another interesting dimension to their campaign.
The combination of Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham, Güler and other talented players gives Madrid the attacking quality required to compete against Europe’s strongest teams.
But Champions League success will depend on more than individual talent.
Defensive consistency, squad rotation and performances in difficult away matches will all be important.
What Real Madrid Fans Can Expect
The 2026/27 season promises to be an exciting one for Real Madrid supporters.
There will be spectacular attacking performances, difficult away matches, major European nights and intense battles against Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
The defeat against Betis is certainly a setback, but it is far too early to make conclusions about Madrid’s season.
The response will be more important than the defeat itself.
If Mourinho can improve the team’s efficiency in front of goal while maintaining defensive stability, Real Madrid should remain firmly involved in the fight for major trophies.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid’s 2026/27 campaign has already delivered plenty of talking points.
The team started strongly, with three consecutive league victories and an impressive attacking record, before suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat against Real Betis.
Mbappé remains the headline attacking star, while Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler provide additional quality.
With José Mourinho leading the project, expectations are enormous.
The next few weeks will be particularly important. Matches against Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Atlético Madrid will test Madrid’s consistency and could shape the early La Liga title race.
For Real Madrid, the objective remains clear: compete for La Liga, challenge for the Champions League and return to the top of Spanish and European football.
FAQs About Real Madrid
Who is Real Madrid’s manager in 2026/27?
José Mourinho is managing Real Madrid during the 2026/27 season.
Who is Real Madrid’s main attacking player?
Kylian Mbappé is one of Real Madrid’s most important attacking players, supported by players such as Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
Did Real Madrid lose to Real Betis?
Yes. Real Madrid lost 1–0 to Real Betis on September 4, 2026. Troy Parrott scored the winning goal, while Álvaro Valles saved Mbappé’s late penalty.
When is Real Madrid’s next La Liga match?
Real Madrid are scheduled to host Rayo Vallecano on September 12, followed by an away match against Elche on September 15.
Can Real Madrid win La Liga in 2026/27?
Real Madrid are expected to be one of the main contenders. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are also expected to compete strongly, making the title race one of the most interesting in European football.
What is Real Madrid’s biggest objective this season?
Real Madrid will be targeting major trophies, particularly La Liga and the Champions League, while Mourinho will also be looking to establish a consistent playing style with his new squad.