There was plenty of uncertainty ahead of Real Madrid's season. Los Blancos, although well-stocked in midfield and rife with talent on either wing, had some clear holes in their line-up. A pre-season Clasico loss, coupled with a significant injury to Thibaut Courtois before the campaign had even started, made things look even more precarious.
While their most obvious challengers, Barcelona, got stronger after winning La Liga, Madrid appeared to have held steady. However, their season, at least in the early goings, has been more successful than many predicted. Indeed, Madrid have been victorious in every game so far, overturned 1-0 deficits three times, and bagged two stoppage-time winners. Whether by luck or mentality, this is a side that is performing far better than it should be heading into Sunday's derby clash with Atletico Madrid.
And how has this all happened? Certainly, Jude Bellingham has played his part. But how has team without Karim Benzema and short of its best winger, centre-back and goalkeeper managed to top the table after five games?