Real Madrid is preparing for its next confrontation against Villarreal with an eleven that, although it maintains Kylian Mbappé as a starter, presents a notable alteration in the usual lineup: Vinícius Júnior does not start the game and his place is taken by the French midfielder Diomandé. This decision, announced by coach Zinedine Mourinho, confirms a frequent request from the club's fans.
The context of the call is explained by the injury of Valverde, who recently recovered after a mishap in the Madrid derby. Despite the controversy surrounding his return, Mourinho has decided to give him the opportunity to play again, which will spark debate among fans. Valverde will share the midfield with Tchouaméni, while in defense the club will have the arrival of Konaté, who is recovering from an injury against France, and the experienced Rüdiger. The eleven also includes full-backs Carreras and Trent, who replace Cucurella and Dumfries, respectively.
Up front, Real Madrid maintains Mbappé, ArdaGüler and JadonBellingham, who have proven their effectiveness in recent games. The addition of Diomandé adds a new dimension to the attack, offering more creation and finishing options. Goalkeeper Courtois will continue in the goalkeeper position, ensuring the team's defensive solidity.
The match, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. at the Bernabéu, will be a crucial test for Real Madrid, which seeks to consolidate its position in the table and demonstrate its ability to adapt to tactical changes. With the proposed lineup, the club hopes to take advantage of the freshness of its players and the experience of its key figures. The final result and the performance of the players in this configuration will determine the next steps in the team's campaign.