Six points. That is the gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona after just seven La Liga matches, and it is the number that frames everything José Mourinho is currently trying to work out at the Bernabéu.

Mourinho returned to the club this summer on a three-year deal, tasked with restoring stability and silverware after two trophyless seasons. The early signs have been mixed. A derby defeat to Atlético Madrid left Madrid fourth in the table, with Barcelona — unbeaten, having won all seven games and scored 31 goals — already looking well clear. Atlético sit second, Real Betis third, both five points behind Hansi Flick's side. To put that gap in context: the only time Real Madrid overturned a six-point deficit to Barcelona at the top of La Liga was in Fabio Capello's 2006-07 title triumph.

The international break gives Mourinho three weeks to take stock before Madrid host Villarreal on 10 October and then travel to Barcelona a fortnight after that. Here are the three areas where improvement is most needed.

Midfield Control

Against Atlético, Mourinho paired Aurélien Tchouaméni with Federico Valverde, with Jude Bellingham operating further forward. The double pivot gave Madrid energy and defensive shape, but the side could not dictate the tempo or manufacture clear openings from deeper areas. Bernardo Silva was introduced only in the final eight minutes — far too late to influence the outcome.

The obvious solution is to find a way to fit Silva into the starting eleven. His ability to control the rhythm of a match addresses exactly what was missing at the Metropolitano. Arda Güler is another option capable of bringing creative intelligence from midfield. Mourinho does not necessarily need to abandon the double pivot, but the current pairing needs more of a ball-playing presence alongside it.

Getting Vinícius, Mbappé and Bellingham Working Together

On paper, Real Madrid's attacking options are among the finest in European football. In practice, making them function as a cohesive unit is proving difficult. Kylian Mbappé was largely anonymous against Atlético, rarely receiving the ball in positions to threaten, while Vinícius Júnior was taken off shortly after Dean Huijsen's red card early in the second half.

Bellingham's capacity to carry the ball, arrive late in the penalty area and link the lines is a crucial component. But Mourinho needs all three to complement rather than crowd one another. Vinícius needs to rediscover the directness and explosiveness that makes him so hard to defend at his best. Mbappé needs a proper supply of chances rather than being required to generate his own.

There is also an emerging alternative. Carlos Espí, 21, scored a 90th-minute winner on his league debut against Espanyol and did the same in stoppage time against Elche. That is a small but notable sample (two matches, two decisive late contributions) and suggests he deserves more opportunities, particularly when Madrid need a focal point late in games and the chemistry between the established three is not clicking.

Transitional Defending

The third concern is what happens when Madrid lose possession. Atlético repeatedly found space around Madrid's midfield and were able to attack quickly in the moments after winning the ball. Mourinho's sides have always been organised defensively — that is part of his identity as a manager — but the current group is giving up too much ground in transition. Resolving the midfield question might partially address this; a more controlling presence in the centre of the pitch would reduce the frequency with which Madrid are exposed.

None of these problems are insurmountable this early in a season. The market, for what it is worth, has not written Madrid off entirely. But the visit of Villarreal and then the trip to Barcelona will go a long way to clarifying whether Mourinho's second spell has genuine momentum — or whether the familiar tensions that defined the end of his first stint are already beginning to resurface.

Frequently asked

How far behind are Real Madrid in La Liga 2025-26?
After seven matches, Real Madrid sit fourth and are six points behind league leaders Barcelona, who have won all seven of their games so far.
When do Real Madrid play next after the international break?
Real Madrid's next La Liga fixture is at home to Villarreal on Saturday, 10 October, with a trip to Barcelona scheduled a fortnight later.
Is Mourinho's job at Real Madrid under threat already?
Not at this stage — Mourinho was handed a three-year contract in the summer. However, results in October's key fixtures, including the Clásico, will be closely watched.