Real Madrid have completed an impressive transformation during the eight matches played between the two international breaks, winning all eight. More importantly, the team has rediscovered its defensive solidity and attacking balance, giving it the tools to compete for every trophy. As José Mourinho put it, "the team smells good."

The Portuguese coach had anticipated these changes before the winning streak began, which is Real Madrid's best run of consecutive victories since 2022. "We're going to change some things," Mourinho explained after the first international break, "things that might not be noticeable to the general public."

The comeback against Roma and the subsequent victory in El Clásico eventually convinced him to adopt a new system built around greater physical strength in midfield, with Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva, while also allowing the latter to play alongside Arda Güler. The results have been encouraging. The coaching staff believes the team is now defending through possession, which reached 70% against Valencia, a season high.

The number of threats faced by Thibaut Courtois has decreased as Real Madrid's possession has increased. Against Valencia, the goalkeeper faced just two shots on target, while Racing managed only one. This was a significant contrast with El Clásico, when Madrid had less possession and Courtois faced six shots on target, despite the team securing victory. Overall, Real Madrid have kept clean sheets in three of their last five LaLiga matches, against Villarreal, Racing and Valencia.

The coaching staff believes this improvement stems from a new approach in which Madrid take control of matches through possession. "I think the players up front also like this mix (of talent and strength), because it gives us balance in defense and more quality when launching attacks," Mourinho explained recently.

Another aspect highlighted by the coaching staff is the intensity with which the players work to recover possession after losing it. This has become another defining feature of a Real Madrid side that "smells so good."

Against Racing, for example, the team recorded 19 interceptions, its highest total of the season. The statistics also underline the players' aggression in individual duels. According to Opta, Real Madrid currently lead LaLiga in duels won, with a success rate of 57.1%.

This means Mourinho's side are not simply enjoying more possession and reducing the pressure on their defence. They are also pressing more aggressively and looking to recover the ball in areas that allow them to launch attacks more quickly.

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