Mourinho’s Real Madrid XI takes shape for La Liga opener, with one defensive doubt remaining
The Portuguese manager has finalised ten of his eleven starters for the campaign launch against Espanyol, leaving the second centre-back position as the sole uncertainty.
Real Madrid are set to commence their La Liga campaign against Espanyol under the stewardship of new manager Jose Mourinho. According to reports from El Partidazo de COPE, the Portuguese tactician has finalised ten of his eleven starters, with the sole remaining decision centred on the second central defender position.
The projected lineup reflects a strategy focused on pre-season preparedness rather than a full-strength selection. Thibaut Courtois is expected to start in goal, flanked by Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Alvaro Carreras at left-back. This arrangement sees Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella, who is returning late from World Cup commitments, initially held in reserve.
In central defence, Dean Huijsen is confirmed to start, but Mourinho remains undecided between Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate for the remaining spot. The uncertainty highlights the club’s approach to managing player minutes as key squad members have returned to training at different stages of fitness.
The midfield pairing is expected to consist of Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde. This selection leaves summer signing Bernardo Silva on the bench, a decision that has drawn attention given his recent arrival. The setup provides a structured base for the advanced creative roles occupied by Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.
Mourinho has placed significant faith in Arda Guler, expecting the player to eventually transition into a deep-lying midfielder role similar to that of Luka Modric. For the opener, Guler is tipped to operate as the No. 10, with Diaz providing support on the right flank.
The attack will be led by Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, who are both expected to start. This leaves high-profile summer acquisitions Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande to begin the season on the bench, further underscoring the managerial priority of managing workload and fitness levels at the start of the campaign.
