Real Madrid Crumble in Fiery, Controversy-Filled Derby: Three Key Lessons From Their Inevitable Downfall

José Mourinho's second stint at Real Madrid is proving to be just as turbulent as his first, with the club's most recent setback coming at the hands of fierce rivals Atlético Madrid.

Los Blancos fell to a 2–1 loss in the opening Madrid derby of the campaign on Sunday, unable to rescue a result after Dean Huijsen was sent off in the 52nd minute. The 15-time European champions conceded twice after being reduced to 10 men, only managing to get on the board in the 89th minute through a consolation header from Antonio Rüdiger.

As has been the case in nearly every high-stakes La Liga match in recent memory, contentious officiating took the spotlight, alongside a host of recurring issues for Real Madrid. The combination of both left Mourinho's side crestfallen at the Metropolitano.

Real Madrid now have the entire international break to reflect on everything that went wrong on Sunday.

Past Demons Haunt Real Madrid

Last season, when Real Madrid were thrashed 5–2 by Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano, Xabi Alonso deployed Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni in his double pivot, and handed Arda Güler the right-wing role alongside Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham in attack.

One year and six new signings later, new manager Mourinho lined up Valverde and Tchouaméni in his double pivot once again, with Güler on the right wing to complete an attack featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.

Both matches ended with Real Madrid collecting zero points. The circumstances differed, certainly, but the fundamental issues plaguing the club remain very much unchanged.

Valverde and Tchouaméni have no business continuing to anchor the team's midfield. Neither player is capable of controlling a match or sustaining prolonged periods of possession. The void left by Toni Kroos is as glaring as ever — there is no composure in the center of the pitch, no link between midfield and attack, no conductor with a true feel for the game.

The attack also leaves much to be desired. Vinícius Jr continues to rely on individual dribbles at every opportunity. Mbappé spent large portions of the first half dropping into midfield in search of involvement. Güler made poor decisions in transition and left Denzel Dumfries to operate as a makeshift right winger while he drifted over to link up on the left.

It seems last season's problems will not simply vanish just because there is a new manager on the touchline.

Little Conviction From Real Madrid

In keeping with old habits, Real Madrid were thoroughly outworked by Atlético Madrid. The away side were uninspired off the ball, content to sit deep with minimal movement. Vinícius Jr made no effort to contribute defensively on the left, while Mbappé watched events unfold as though he were a spectator in the front row.

There was virtually no pressing and little urgency to win the ball back for extended stretches of the first half. It was a familiar sight for Real Madrid supporters, made all the more stark by Atlético Madrid's completely contrasting mentality.

The hosts contested every ball, covering every inch of the Metropolitano pitch. They pressed relentlessly, repeatedly forcing Real Madrid into hurried play out from the back with little success.

Whenever Los Blancos managed to retain possession, they were immediately swarmed by red-and-white-striped opponents before they could even lift their heads. There were moments in transition where Mbappé attempted to beat three or four defenders with no realistic chance of finding a teammate before being dispossessed.

The situation spiraled once the 15-time European champions were reduced to 10 men, though they had largely been second best even when at full strength against their fierce rivals.

La Liga Title Hopes Hang in the Balance

Following the team's late winner against Elche, Mourinho stressed that "a draw isn't enough." It may only be September, but every result already carries potential title-defining weight when Barcelona appear closer to scoring 10 goals per game than dropping any points.

Real Madrid scraped a victory last weekend but could not even manage a draw this time. They now find themselves six points adrift of the Catalans after just seven matches this season — and, even more alarmingly, sitting fourth in the La Liga table.

It is neither hyperbole nor exaggeration to say Los Blancos' defeat to Atlético Madrid could carry title implications. What makes the loss even more damaging is that El Clásico is just a month away. Should Mourinho's side lose that fixture, they could find themselves nine points behind — assuming neither team slips up before the showdown at Camp Nou.

That would all but hand Barcelona a runaway path to a third consecutive La Liga title just three months into the season. In previous years, there may have been hope for a dramatic late-season turnaround, but this Real Madrid side has looked woefully incapable of delivering in the biggest moments.

And what is even more certain is that Hansi Flick's men look entirely incapable of falling apart.