Jose Mourinho faces five major concerns before Real Madrid’s Madrid derby

Jose Mourinho takes Real Madrid into Sunday’s derby against Atletico de Madrid with his side facing urgent questions over their defence, attacking form, second-half performances and away record.

The match at Riyadh Air Metropolitano is Real Madrid’s first major La Liga test of the season. Mourinho’s second spell has so far fallen short of supporters’ expectations, with the team struggling to close out several matches while Barcelona have made a stronger start and produced more convincing victories.

A win would provide more than three points: it would help restore confidence among the players and supporters. However, five concerns dominate the build-up.

Defensive errors

Real Madrid have won matches but conceded three goals in their past two league games because of poor positioning and individual and collective mistakes.

They have lost only once in the opening six rounds, yet all three of their latest goals conceded came through defensive lapses: two against Elche and one against Rayo Vallecano.

Against Elche, Abel Osorio was allowed to rise unchallenged inside the six-yard box and turn in a cross. The two centre-backs offered little pressure, while another forward was also positioned to finish if the ball had gone beyond Osorio.

For the second goal, Fer Nino received the ball in the penalty area and found the far right corner past Thibaut Courtois. The central defenders again failed to intervene, while Fede Valverde’s attempted challenge allowed the ball to pass between his legs.

Sergio Camello’s goal for Rayo Vallecano followed another collective error. Eduardo Camavinga failed to deal with the ball, allowing Camello to take advantage of the defensive gap and shoot between Ibrahima Konate’s legs as Courtois advanced.

Such mistakes may be survivable against less dangerous opponents, but Atletico have forwards capable of punishing every lapse.

Vinicius and the second-half problem

Vinicius Junior has also become a concern after a subdued start to the season. The anticipated partnership with Kylian Mbappe has not yet developed as expected, while the Brazilian has struggled individually.

Across six matches and 511 minutes, Vinicius has scored once. Mbappe, by contrast, has seven goals in 540 minutes, scoring every 77 minutes. Vinicius has also missed five major chances, according to SofaScore, prompting debate over whether he should remain in the starting XI.

Mourinho continues to defend him, saying criticism increases because he is “a tree that bears fruit”. Even if Vinicius is dropped, however, Real Madrid must consider whether they have a suitable replacement.

Real Madrid have repeatedly lost control after half-time. They led Elche 2-0 before easing off; Elche scored twice after the interval and enjoyed 60% possession. Rayo Vallecano followed a similar pattern after Real Madrid went 3-0 ahead, scoring once as fatigue appeared to affect the home side before Mbappe sealed a 4-1 win.

“We can finish these matches easily, but we do not,” Mourinho said after the Elche game.

Away record and Atletico challenge

Real Madrid began their away campaign with a late win against Espanyol, then lost at Real Betis in their only defeat so far. At Elche they again surrendered control after leading 2-0. They have now failed to win five of their past 10 matches away from home.

At Riyadh Air Metropolitano, they face an opponent who has troubled them recently. In the last seven league meetings, Real Madrid have won once, lost twice and drawn four times. Their last five visits to Atletico’s stadium have produced three defeats and one draw.