Real Madrid have already won their first trophy of the 2024/25 season and begin their defence of another on Sunday evening.
Having beaten Italian outfit Atalanta 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday evening in Warsaw, Los Blancos turn their attention to the start of La Liga this weekend. Real Madrid face Mallorca on the road on Matchday 1 and should have few problems kicking their title defence off with a victory.
Kylian Mbappe is in line to make his La Liga debut after scoring in his first Madrid outing on Wednesday. He formed part of a devastating front three that also contained Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, while Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde dazzled in deeper roles. Good luck, Mallorca.
Here is how Real Madrid could line up this Sunday.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – A sensational save against Atalanta showed exactly what Madrid missed last season. Back from injuries and with a summer of rest, the Belgian can stake his claim as the world’s best once more if he can stay fit.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Another trophy for Carvajal at the beginning of 2024/25. The Spaniard has enjoyed a sensational year and it’s unlikely to be the last piece of silverware he gathers this season.
CB: Eder Militao – With Militao now fully fit, David Alaba still injured and Nacho Fernandez having left the club, the Brazil defender should earn a run of starts at the beginning of the campaign. It’s exactly what he needs to find his feet again.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Mr. Reliable for Madrid last season, Rudiger is rightfully considered among the three or four best centre-backs in world football. Helped by the brilliance around him, he makes things look very simple indeed.
LB: Ferland Mendy – He may not have been used by France at Euro 2024 but Mendy will get plenty of run-outs this season for Madrid. He remains Ancelotti’s first-choice left-back after speculation over Alphonso Davies went quiet.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – A training ground injury for Eduardo Camavinga places even more significance on Tchouameni to anchor the midfield, something he often does effortlessly for the European champions.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde looked sharp against Atalanta and got himself on the scoresheet with a late burst into the penalty area. He covered a ridiculous amount of ground against the Serie A side, too.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Naturally forced into a deeper position following the arrival of Mbappe, Bellingham thrived in such a role against Atalanta. It’s easy to forget just how impactful he was at Borussia Dortmund as a box-to-box midfielder.
RW: Rodrygo – Despite speculation over his future, Ancelotti has no doubts about Rodrygo’s importance to this Madrid team. He will be the forward who attracts least attention this season but he’s guaranteed to be integral.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – A straightforward debut saw him grab his first goal and trophy for Madrid. Not bad, eh? He’ll be aiming to open his La Liga account against Mallorca on Sunday.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian’s exquisite run and assist for Madrid’s opener against Atalanta epitomised what makes him so special. Pure dynamism. He seems to be favoured on the left flank, with Mbappe through the centre.
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