OFFICIAL: Real Madrid’s starting XI against Málaga is out!

Real Madrid have officially announced their starting lineup to face Málaga this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu in the third round of La Liga. José Mourinho has made several changes while keeping his main attacking stars in the team as Los Blancos look to secure a third consecutive league victory.

After winning their opening two matches of the season, Real Madrid are determined to maintain their perfect start. Against newly promoted Málaga, José Mourinho has decided to make a few adjustments to his side, particularly in defence, just as he suggested during his pre-match press conference.

OFFICIAL: Real Madrid's starting XI against Málaga is out!

In goal, there is no surprise as Thibaut Courtois keeps his place. The Belgian goalkeeper remains one of Mourinho’s most trusted players and will once again be aiming to keep a clean sheet.

Mourinho Makes Changes in Defence

The main changes come in the defensive line. At left-back, Marc Cucurella starts, as Mourinho had already confirmed to the media. Álvaro Carreras, who featured in the previous matches, therefore begins the game on the bench.

At centre-back, Antonio Rüdiger returns to the starting lineup alongside Dean Huijsen. On the right side of defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold also gets the nod, with Denzel Dumfries named among the substitutes.

In midfield, Mourinho continues to rely on the physical strength and technical quality of his key players. Federico Valverde will provide energy and intensity, while Arda Güler once again earns the confidence of his manager. The young Turkish international has already played an important creative role at the start of the season and will be expected to influence Madrid’s attacking play.

Mbappé, Vinicius and Bellingham Lead the Attack

In attack, José Mourinho has selected his biggest stars. Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are all in the starting XI.

Mbappé, who has made an excellent start to the season, will once again be one of Real Madrid’s main attacking threats. The French forward will be looking to continue his impressive form in front of the Bernabéu crowd.

Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, will hope to show more consistency after a mixed start to the campaign. Despite already making an impact, the Brazilian winger is still searching for his very best level.

Bellingham will also have a major role to play. His ability to make late runs into the penalty area, create chances and score important goals could prove decisive against a Málaga side expected to defend with a compact block.

Summer signing Yan Diomandé starts on the bench. Having joined late during pre-season, the young winger is still being gradually integrated into Mourinho’s system and could be given more minutes during the second half.

Real Madrid’s Starting XI Against Málaga

Starting lineup

4-3-3

Courtois – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Cucurella – Valverde, Camavinga, Arda Güler – Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Mbappé.

With such an attacking lineup, José Mourinho’s intentions are clear: Real Madrid want to take control of the match from the opening minutes, impose their authority at the Santiago Bernabéu and maintain their perfect start to the La Liga season.