Real Madrid 2026/27: Mourinho, Vinicius and a title drought

Mourinho’s Real Madrid heads for a third trophyless season as fans debate the scale of failure

The 2026/27 season is effectively decided. Real Madrid is heading for its **third consecutive trophyless campaign**, with discussions shifting from whether they can compete to how early Barcelona will clinch the title. The prevailing diagnosis points to a poorly constructed squad: **no creative midfield, no target man, and two forwards occupying the same channel**. The result is an attack where talents clash rather than combine.

Mourinho, contracts, and dictated lineups

The return of the Portuguese coach, sold by Florentino Pérez as his masterstroke, has become a paradox. Some claim Mourinho **prefers Valverde over Bernardo Silva** and keeps Bellingham ahead of Güler despite their form. The circulating explanation is contractual rather than sporting: he allegedly accepted Vinicius and Mbappé as non-negotiable starters to sign. If true, the manager ceased to be a manager before arriving.

Vinicius embodies the frustration. A **3-1 lead turned into a 3-4 loss** after his substitution, a missed backheel in midfield without tracking back, and the sense that his renewal hampers the left flank already occupied by Mbappé. The most common proposal: Espí as striker, Mbappé on the left, Güler centrally, and Vinicius benched.

Signings that didn’t happen and those that did

Economic criticism is scathing. It is argued that **Rodri was not signed** despite **€750 million spent in three years**, while the club paid **€140 million for Diomande** and **€60 million for Cucurella**, who does not improve Carreras. Meanwhile, Tchouaméni faces unfair scrutiny: an elite defensive pivot expected to play like Rodri. The issue is not him, but the void beside him.

Schedule, referees, and excuse narratives

Real Madrid plays **three consecutive away matches (rounds 10, 11, and 12)**, including a visit to Barcelona, starting against their eternal rival. Officially, the NFL requested the slot and the club agreed. Some see deliberate asymmetry; others argue such excuses suit mid-table teams, not one that should dominate everything below fifth place.

Regarding refereeing, opinions distinguish between legitimate complaints and alibis. The red card for handball preventing a goal is now seen as automatic dismissal when rules only intended to stop defenders preferring penalties over goals. The penalty itself is sufficient punishment.

The boardroom shadow: Florentino and club narrative

Institutional criticism has intensified. The club is accused of **zero self-reflection**, creating unnecessary enemies through Vinicius-related communication, and having lineups dictated by the boardroom years ago. The bitter conclusion: no manager fixes this. With the Teresa Herrera Trophy as the likely sole prize, the lingering question is whether anyone intends to change anything or if the final dance continues to the end.