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Real Madrid News Jose Mourinho starting to unlock Real Madrid’s superstar attacking trio – report Real Madrid made it back-to-back victories in La Liga, securing a stylish 4-1 win against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu. After a cagey first half that saw the scores level, Los Blancos came back from the break and picked apart the Basque club with utmost ease. A hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe and a goal from Vinicius Junior would have enthralled Bernabeu fans, but there was a more interesting aspect beyond just the goals. According to Mundo Deportivo, the victory over Sociedad offered perhaps the clearest indication yet of what Jose Mourinho wants from his attack. Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham click Their superstar attacking trio, Mbappe, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham, showed how effective they can be while functioning as a unit. The three stars have shared the pitch plenty of times before, but combining their individual qualities into one coherent attacking structure has been a persistent challenge. However, last night’s performance suggested Mourinho may be starting to find the solution. Mbappe was the biggest beneficiary, scoring a hat-trick in a devastating display at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bellingham, operating behind the attack, provided two assists, setting up both Mbappe and Vinicius. The Brazilian also finished with a goal and an assist of his own, creating one of Mbappe’s three strikes. It was the level of connection between the trio that really stood out. Rather than three elite footballers attempting to contribute individually, there was much greater chemistry between all three. Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 taking shape The Portuguese manager has been building around a 4-2-3-1, with Bellingham’s positioning potentially crucial to making the attacking structure work. His ability to connect midfield with the two superstar forwards allows Mbappe and Vinicius to concentrate more heavily on attacking dangerous areas. Mbappe, in particular, appears determined to take another step forward under Mourinho. Despite scoring 86 goals across his first two seasons at Real Madrid, his time in Spain has so far lacked the major trophies expected of a player of his stature. A hat-trick in Mourinho’s first match back at the Bernabeu was therefore an emphatic way to begin changing that narrative. Vinicius also enjoyed an important evening. After being whistled by sections of the Bernabeu early on, the Brazilian responded on the pitch and was eventually given a huge ovation when replaced by Yan Diomande. Problems remain elsewhere The attacking improvement should not mask the work Mourinho still has to do. Real Madrid remain inconsistent without the ball, particularly with their pressing and defensive organisation. Sociedad enjoyed periods, especially in the first half, in which they were able to exploit those weaknesses, just as Espanyol had troubled Madrid in the first game. For now, Madrid’s enormous attacking quality is helping compensate for these fragilities. Against Espanyol, Carlos Espi provided the decisive contribution from the bench. This time, it was the established superstars who took control. The biggest positive from the Sociedad game was the connection between the superstar trio, and it remains to be seen how they get on through the course of the season. Real Madrid News Napoli star wants to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions League – ‘We are prepared’ Real Madrid will discover their eight Champions League group-stage opponents this afternoon in the group stage draw. There are many players across Europe who would welcome the challenge of facing Real Madrid, the most successful team in the competition. One of them is Napoli star Costantino Favasuli, who has made his wish clear heading into the draw. Favasuli wants Real Madrid tie Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli (h/t Defensa Central), Favasuli was asked which stadium he would most like to play in during this Champions League campaign, and his answer was immediate. “At the Bernabeu, against Real Madrid. That would be wonderful,” Favasuli said. The Italian was also keen to stress that Napoli hold no fear over who they might draw. “We’ll get whoever we have to get, and we’ll be ready,” he added. He did not simply name Real Madrid as opponents, but specifically chose the Bernabeu as the ground where he would love to feature. For Favasuli, who faces an important season after joining Napoli, the chance to test himself against one of Europe’s giants clearly represents a major highlight. Both Real Madrid and Napoli are among the 36 clubs in the group stage, meaning a meeting between the two remains a genuine possibility. All eyes on the draw The wait will soon be over, with the Champions League league-phase draw taking place today in Monaco. It is then that Jose Mourinho will learn the eight teams Real Madrid must navigate, with each side facing eight different opponents, four at home and four away, under the competition’s format. Real Madrid could be paired with a number of daunting sides from among the possible Pot 1 opponents, while UEFA’s rules mean there are also certain fixtures they are guaranteed to avoid in the league phase. All attention turns to Monaco this afternoon and Favasuli will be one of those players closely watching.