Jose Mourinho faces first major test of Real Madrid return with Betis and Inter ahead

Jose Mourinho faces first major test of Real Madrid return with Betis and Inter ahead Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid has started almost perfectly, with three wins from three for his side. Los Blancos have played some entertaining football, scored goals for fun and seen their superstars come together with the kind of chemistry not seen before. However, it does look like the honeymoon period might be coming to an end. Two demanding matches in the space of just five days should provide the first meaningful test of how far his new-look side have already progressed. Madrid first travel to face Real Betis in La Liga before turning their attention to Inter Milan at the Bernabeu in their Champions League opener. Betis provide first warning Madrid have built momentum quickly, combining attacking intensity with signs of improving defensive organisation. Betis, however, should ask more difficult questions than Madrid have faced so far. Real Madrid are bracing for tough fixtures ahead. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Playing away from home against a technically strong side will test whether Mourinho’s team can maintain their aggressive approach when the match becomes less comfortable. It is the type of fixture that Madrid have typically struggled with in the last couple of seasons, which is usually the difference between finishing first and second in La Liga . Mourinho has repeatedly stressed the importance of his team playing as a group, and it is in these kinds of games that the idea will really be tested. Inter raise the difficulty considerably If Betis are set to be a challenge, Madrid face an even bigger one in the coming days after that game. Inter represent Madrid’s first Champions League opponents of the season and immediately offer Mourinho an opportunity to measure his project against elite European opposition. Madrid will also enter that game with midfield problems. Aurelien Tchouameni is unavailable through injury, while Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva are suspended. Sergio Martinez could make his Real Madrid debut against Inter Milan. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website) That could force Mourinho to turn to youngsters like Sergio Martinez to play a key role and emerge victorious against someone he formerly managed, Cristian Chivu. Reality will start to sink in The joy around Madrid, their team and the fans is the highest it has been in the last couple of seasons. Jose Mourinho had an excellent pre-season upon his return to Spain, and the performances have reflected the work put in back then. However, the real test is set to begin now. Playing Betis and Inter back-to-back is not going to be an easy task for Madrid. It could finally be the time when chinks in the armour begin to appear, and Mourinho will have to be proactive to find solutions along the way. It remains to be seen how Jose’s team get through these important games and whether Madrid can still keep their perfect record intact at the end of next week.