Real Madrid rediscover collective identity under Mourinho with eight consecutive victories

Real Madrid have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past month, and the results have been there for everyone to see. Los Blancos secured a 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla last night to make it eight wins in their last eight games. Jose Mourinho’s tactical modifications have worked wonders for the Spanish club, and the performances have also improved. According to MARCA , he has moulded the team into a more cohesive and disciplined unit after a difficult start to his second spell in the Spanish capital. Mourinho’s Real Madrid growing stronger collectively Madrid have scored 24 goals across those eight matches, averaging three per game, while keeping three clean sheets. The winning run includes victories over Barcelona in El Clasico and Roma, RB Leipzig and AEK Athens in the Champions League. Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Valencia offered another example of their progress, with the team breaking down a resolute defensive unit. Jose Mourinho has galvanized the team at Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Los Che actually started the game very well, causing problems for Madrid, but goals from Fede Valverde, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe helped Mourinho’s men secure the three points. The most encouraging aspect of Real Madrid’s evolution is that the team no longer seem excessively dependent on individual brilliance. Mbappe, Guler, Diomande and Bellingham have come together to form an excellent attacking quartet, and their strengths complement each other perfectly. Mourinho’s defensive demands making the difference There was one moment in the Valencia game that perfectly summed up the defensive transformation under Mourinho. When Guler was caught out of position after Madrid lost possession, Mbappe sprinted across to cover the exposed space and restore the team’s defensive shape. One of the biggest criticisms levelled at the Frenchman was that he was not contributing enough defensively. How will Mourinho integrate Vinicius into the team? (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) That has changed now, with everyone willing to put the team ahead of themselves. Mourinho will love the fact that his side have almost reached that stage. It remains to be seen how the dynamics change once Vinicius Jr. returns from suspension and how the manager reintegrates him. If the team can find a way for Vinicius to thrive within this system too, they could become even more devastating in the coming months. It remains to be seen how Mourinho handles his return.