The scoreboard is starting to make Mourinho’s choice look uncomfortable.

Real Madrid have already lost twice in La Liga under his second spell: 1-0 at Real Betis on 4 September, then 2-1 at Atlético Madrid on 20 September. Barcelona now lead them by six points.

At the Benito Villamarín, Kylian Mbappé missed a late penalty and Troy Parrott scored his first goal for Betis. Sixteen days later at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Dean Huijsen was sent off in the 52nd minute for conceding a penalty converted by Álex Grimaldo, before Jonathan David extended Atlético’s lead. Antonio Rüdiger’s late header only tidied the scoreline.

The Portugal job he could have had

The Portuguese Football Federation had approached Mourinho before the 2026 World Cup, when Roberto Martínez’s position was uncertain. He held talks with federation officials, but when Pérez called in April, he chose Madrid, with Real Madrid activating a €15m release clause to free him from Benfica.

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His return was officially announced on 11 June, on a three-year deal running until 30 June 2029.

Jorge Jesus and a smoother start

Portugal turned to Jesus, who signed a four-year deal after leaving Al Nassr. His first two matches in charge have both been wins: 1-0 at home to Wales on 24 September, then 2-1 away to Norway in Oslo on 27 September.

In Oslo, João Félix opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Erling Haaland equalised early in the second half, and Gonçalo Ramos punished a stray Ørjan Nyland pass with a chipped winner. Ramos had started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Jesus left on the bench. Portugal moved to six points from two matches to open their Nations League title defence.

Rodrygo out until 2027, Barcelona at the Bernabéu next

Mourinho’s start has been complicated by an ongoing absentee list. Rodrygo is not expected back until early 2027, and Ferland Mendy is out with a thigh injury for the remainder of the year. Éder Militão and Aurélien Tchouaméni have been in and out of the squad.

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Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Bernabéu on 25 October. Portugal, meanwhile, play Denmark in Copenhagen on 1 October and Norway in Porto on 4 October.

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