Atletico Madrid Vs Real madrid: Player Ratings (Corrupt Referring, two clear red cards not given )

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 7  ·  Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

Atlético Madrid 2 — 1 Real Madrid

Sunday, 20 September 2026  ·  Att: 69,348  ·  Ref: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

Grimaldo 53' (pen) Jonathan David 59' Rüdiger 89' (header)

🟥 Dean Huijsen sent off (52', RED CARD) — Last-man tackle on Jonathan David. Real Madrid played 38 minutes with 10 men. Penalty conceded, Grimaldo scored.

0–0

Half Time

54%

Possession (ATM)

12

Shots (RM)

1.2

xG (RM)

6-0-2

Season W-D-L

The Madrid derby delivered drama, controversy, and heartbreak in equal measure — and left José Mourinho with printouts in his hand, fire in his eyes, and more than a few legitimate grievances about the refereeing. In a first half of genuine quality where Real Madrid controlled proceedings without creating the big moments to show for it, Dean Huijsen's straight red card on 52 minutes changed everything. From that point, the match belonged to Atlético.

The first half was a cagey, well-organised affair. Real Madrid, operating with their now-familiar 4-2-3-1 and a genuinely competitive double pivot of Tchouaméni and Valverde, were the better side in spells — Bellingham and Güler probing, Mbappé running channels and Vinícius giving Pubill an uncomfortable afternoon. Atlético's high defensive line and aggressive wing-backs kept things compact, and Jan Oblak was barely tested. The goalless first half felt like a precursor to something significant, and it was.

Within seven minutes of the restart the tie had completely shifted. Huijsen, last man, made the kind of rash sliding tackle that referees have very little choice about at that level of the game. Grimaldo, Atlético's composed summer signing from Leverkusen, sent Courtois the wrong way from the spot. Six minutes later Jonathan David — who has been extraordinary in his first season in Spain — controlled a long ball, spun away from Konaté and finished with the assurance of a man who has scored at every level he has played. Real Madrid, a man down, were two goals behind with half an hour remaining.

Mourinho reacted immediately, withdrawing Güler and Vinícius for Rüdiger and Diomande at the 54-minute mark — a decision that reshaped the defensive shape and pushed Rüdiger forward as an aerial option for late set-pieces. Camavinga replaced Tchouaméni at 71 minutes; Bernardo Silva replaced Bellingham at 82 minutes. The subs added freshness and intent, and it was a header from Rüdiger — introduced as a centre-back but used as an attacking weapon in the 89th minute — that pulled one back and gave Madrid a lifeline that ultimately arrived one goal too late.

Mourinho Post-Match

"We could have saved ourselves the press conference because the story of the match is here." [holds up printed photos of two unpunished Atlético fouls on Valverde and Bellingham] "They are two clear red cards." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference — presented photo evidence to journalists

"We can imagine the difficulties we would have had playing 11 against 10 — so imagine 50 minutes playing 11 against nine. I can only hug my players, who gave everything. We played a first half of great class and personality, and we could perfectly have won in the second half." José Mourinho

"The one who should be happy, apart from the Atlético people, is the Refereeing Appointments Committee. Everything has been very strange. The referee is 41 years old, he isn't international, and it won't be because he's a great referee. The poor guy came here and couldn't handle the pressure." José Mourinho — on referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

"I wanted to understand the decision. Atlético had a similar situation and escaped a red, but Real Madrid didn't. I'm not saying the referee decided the game. I'm asking for consistency." José Mourinho

Player Ratings

All players rated on their individual contribution given the context of the game — including the 38 minutes played with 10 men. Where FotMob and WhoScored ratings are available post-match, they are cross-referenced.

🧤 Goalkeeper

6.8

#1

Thibaut Courtois

Went the right way for the Grimaldo penalty but could not keep it out — which tells you more about the quality of the kick than the quality of the dive. Made two important saves in the second half as Atlético looked to put the game out of sight, denying Kang-In Lee and a sharp Julián Álvarez header. His distribution and organisation of a backline reduced to four for long stretches of the half was composed and professional. A decent performance in difficult circumstances that was not his night to shine.

FotMob: 6.7 · WhoScored: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.8

🛡️ Defenders

5.0

#24

Denzel Dumfries 🟨 50'

A difficult afternoon that ended in the defining moment before his own dismissal. Dumfries was caught out defensively by Giuliano Simeone on multiple occasions in the first half, conceding Atlético's best crossing positions from the left channel. The yellow card in the 50th minute, two minutes before Huijsen's red, was unnecessary and added to the pressure building on the right side. He was ultimately not the worst performer on the day but carried his own share of responsibility for the defensive fragility before the red.

FotMob: 5.1 · WhoScored: 5.2 · Our Rating: 5.0

3.5

#4

Dean Huijsen 🟥 52'

The performance that will be analysed, debated and replayed for weeks. Huijsen was fine in the first half — organised, vocal, winning his battles against David. Then came the moment. Catching out of position, he made a rash, last-man sliding tackle on Jonathan David inside the box after Atlético played a ball over the defensive line. The red card was correct by the letter of the law even if the Mourinho camp has legitimate anger about two unpunished Atlético fouls that preceded it. The red card conceded a penalty, ended the contest as a contest, and left his manager with thirty-eight impossible minutes to manage. A 20-year-old will have many such moments; the hope is that this one becomes a lesson that is not forgotten.

FotMob: 3.2 · WhoScored: 3.5 · Our Rating: 3.5

6.5

#16

Ibrahima Konaté

In any other context this would have been considered a solid performance. Konaté won his first-half duels with David, commanded the aerial game and was comfortable in possession. He was caught by David's movement for the second goal — a spin inside that the Canadian has perfected at club level — but it was the kind of brilliance that many centre-backs would have struggled with. Kept his composure throughout the second half as Madrid played with ten men, which deserves credit. Not at fault for either goal in the systemic sense.

FotMob: 6.4 · WhoScored: 6.3 · Our Rating: 6.5

5.5

#17

Marc Cucurella

Struggled against Atlético's intensity on his flank. Kang-In Lee and Grimaldo combined to make his afternoon uncomfortable from early on and he was unable to offer the offensive outlet that Mourinho wanted from the left back position. Worked hard defensively with ten men and made a crucial recovery tackle in the 74th minute that kept it 2-0 when it could have been worse. A below-par contribution in a game that required far more from the full-backs.

FotMob: 5.4 · WhoScored: 5.5 · Our Rating: 5.5

⚽ Midfielders

7.5

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni ↓ 71'

The player of the match in the first half for Real Madrid, quietly and efficiently. Tchouaméni was the engine that kept Madrid's structure intact, making six ball recoveries in 71 minutes, breaking up Atlético's build-up play and providing the positional discipline that allowed Valverde to push higher. Two consecutive starts now and both have been strong performances. His influence on the side's defensive shape was evident in the contrast between how Madrid defended with and without him on the pitch.

FotMob: 7.4 · WhoScored: 7.5 · Our Rating: 7.5

7.0

#8

Federico Valverde

A relentless presence throughout. Valverde's box-to-box energy was at the heart of everything Madrid tried to create — he completed 88% of his passes, made four tackles and created the two occasions in the first half where Madrid came closest to breaking the deadlock. Mourinho has pointed to fouls by Romero and Lee on Valverde as deserving red cards themselves — one of those fouls halted what would have been a clean break on goal in the 35th minute. Did not let the setbacks of the second half affect his commitment and ran himself into the ground for 90 minutes.

FotMob: 7.1 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

6.5

#15

Arda Güler ↓ 54'

Withdrawn at 54 minutes as Mourinho reshaped the side to cope with ten men. It was not a reflection of Güler's performance — he had been one of Madrid's brightest creative forces in the first half, finding pockets of space between Atlético's defensive lines and forcing Cardoso into a significant foul in a dangerous area. His free-kick delivery was testing. A good first-hour contribution cut short by the circumstances of the game rather than anything he did wrong.

FotMob: 6.7 · WhoScored: 6.8 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#5

Jude Bellingham ↓ 82'

A night that summed up the derby's injustice from a Madrid perspective — Bellingham was scythed down by Kang-In Lee in the first half in a challenge that Mourinho has since presented as a clear red card. He played through it and tried to drag Madrid forward during the ten-man period, but the task was simply too great from a structural standpoint. Made a couple of important pressing triggers in the second half but never had the time or space to impose himself on the game in the way that defines his best showings. Replaced by Bernardo Silva at 82 minutes.

FotMob: 6.3 · WhoScored: 6.4 · Our Rating: 6.5

🔥 Forwards

5.5

#7

Vinícius Júnior ↓ 54'

An afternoon of limited return against a well-organised Atlético right flank. Pubill tracked him diligently and Vinícius found it difficult to locate the one-on-one situations where he is most dangerous. Made one sharp run in the first half that should have led to a Madrid penalty — a clip that the referee waved away. Substituted at 54 minutes as part of the tactical reshuffle after the red card, which made tactical sense given that Mourinho needed defensive reinforcement rather than a forward who was having a quiet game.

FotMob: 5.6 · WhoScored: 5.7 · Our Rating: 5.5

7.0

#10

Kylian Mbappé

The one Madrid player who never stopped trying to find a solution, even with ten men, even trailing 2-0, even in a stadium that was deafening with Atlético celebration. Mbappé ran the channels, pressed Atlético's back three from the front and was the most dangerous player on the pitch during the period when Madrid were chasing the game. Had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside in the 77th minute — by the finest of margins — which would have made the closing stages absolutely dramatic. A night of largely solitary effort. His season xG figures continue to underline why he is the first name on the teamsheet.

FotMob: 7.2 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

🔄 Substitutes

8.0

#22

Antonio Rüdiger ↑ 54' ⚽ 89'

Came on as a defender and ended the night as the most important attacking presence on the pitch. Rüdiger's introduction reshaped Madrid's defensive structure and allowed them to hold a respectable shape with ten men. Then, deep into stoppage time, from a corner, he rose above Hancko and powered a header into the net. It was the kind of physical, decisive contribution that you want from a 33-year-old captain in a crisis moment. He kept Real Madrid's dignity and gave Mourinho something to build on. On another night — with an earlier red card for Atlético, as Mourinho has argued — Rüdiger's goal would have been a winner.

FotMob: 8.1 · WhoScored: 7.9 · Our Rating: 8.0

6.5

#25

Yan Diomande ↑ 54'

Given the thankless task of adding attacking width and pace with a man fewer. Had one clear run on goal in the 58th minute that he was unable to convert with the quality the moment demanded. Worked hard in both directions for 36 minutes, tracking back and covering spaces that the ten-man structure opened up. Showed why Mourinho trusts him — his energy and directness were exactly what the situation called for, even if the result did not ultimately go Madrid's way.

FotMob: 6.4 · WhoScored: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

5.5

#6

Eduardo Camavinga ↑ 71'

Brought on to add legs and pressing intensity in the final twenty minutes. Could not significantly change the dynamic given the structural problem of a man fewer. Made three ball recoveries and one important block but Madrid's predicament was beyond any individual cameo to fix by that point. A functional contribution in impossible circumstances.

FotMob: 6.0 · Our Rating: 5.5

6.5

#20

Bernardo Silva ↑ 82'

Eight minutes plus stoppage time — just enough to show his quality but not enough to change a game. His arrival gave Madrid more technical quality in midfield and his quick passing helped set up the corner from which Rüdiger scored. Another sub who arrived too late to do enough but contributed meaningfully to the late pressure that nearly produced an equaliser.

FotMob: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

The result was harsh on Real Madrid, who were the better team for 51 minutes of this fixture. The Huijsen red card was the decisive moment — not because it was wrong by the laws of the game, but because Atlético's own unpunished brutality in the same match went unpunished, a fact that Mourinho documented with photographs. Madrid drop to second on 15 points, three behind Atlético on 16. The title race remains extremely tight. The next month will tell us a great deal about whether this squad has the depth and mental resilience to respond. Based on what Rüdiger produced in the 89th minute — it should. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 LaLiga Matchday 7 Madrid Derby Away Player Ratings Real Madrid Atlético Madrid Rüdiger Huijsen Mourinho September Controversy

Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

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Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11 | LaLiga Matchday 7

Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid | Sunday, 20 September 2026 | 14:15 CET

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Real Madrid arrive at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday night carrying the momentum of four consecutive wins and a growing sense of belief that this season belongs to them. The 2-3 victory at Elche on Tuesday, sealed once again by the irrepressible Carlos Espí in the closing minutes, means Real Madrid have now won six of their opening seven competitive matches across all competitions. Coming into the first Madrid derby of the 2026/27 LaLiga season, Los Blancos sit second in the table with 15 points from six matches. Only Barcelona, with their perfect record, stand ahead of them.

And yet, this fixture carries a weight that the points table alone cannot capture. The last time these two sides met at the Metropolitano in LaLiga, it was September 2025, and Atlético won 5-2 in a result that shook Real Madrid to their foundations. The memory of that afternoon still echoes loudly in both dugouts. For Mourinho's side, this is not merely Matchday 7. This is a statement match. A chance to signal to Simeone, to Atlético, and to everyone watching that last year's humiliation at this ground will not be repeated.

The narrative surrounding this Derby is rich with subplot. Julián Álvarez, the man Simeone calls one of the five best players in the world, spent the entire summer trying to leave the club for Barcelona. That move collapsed, and with it the relationship between Álvarez and the Metropolitano faithful has never quite recovered. He has been managing his way back to full fitness after illness and did not start against Athletic Club last weekend. Whether he starts Saturday is one of the great tactical questions of this derby. Similarly, Real Madrid head into this one on the back of a European midweek absence and a congested fixture list, with Mourinho's squad depth about to be tested in the most demanding fixture of the early season.

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The Squad List | Convocatoria

 

José Mourinho has named the following group for the derby:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Mestre

Defenders: Asencio, Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger, Dumfries

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Thiago

Forwards: Vini Jr., Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, Yan Diomande

Coach: José Mourinho

Known Absences: Rodrygo (injury, expected return January 2027)

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The Context: What This Derby Means

Atlético Madrid have built quietly this season. Simeone's side beat Osasuna 4-0 in midweek, a performance that underlined their attacking intent. The Cuti Romero signing has transformed their defensive structure, and despite the Álvarez transfer saga generating noise all summer, the Argentine stayed and continued to produce. Confirmed absences for Atlético include Barrios and Sorloth, while Álvarez's fitness and starting status remain in doubt until closer to kickoff.

Atlético arrive at this derby in good form, having won their midweek match, making this game a test of where they stand at this stage of the season against the team expected to challenge Barcelona's dominance.

For Real Madrid, the recent form trend is upward but not without nuance. The win at Elche was hard-fought and not convincing until the late Espí goal. The away record, while now improved, has shown Real Madrid can be vulnerable when pressed high with intensity. That is precisely Simeone's preferred style, and it creates a genuinely compelling tactical battle.

Álvarez had missed the previous Atlético match against Sevilla due to illness, and Simeone made clear that a full return to the starting XI so soon would be premature, though he was included in the squad that travelled to Bilbao. His status for Saturday remains the key team news question for the home side.

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Mourinho's Approach: How Real Madrid Sets Up for a Derby

José Mourinho was built for exactly these nights. His entire managerial identity is rooted in high-stakes knockouts and derby warfare. The Special One will not allow this to be an open game. Expect Real Madrid to be compact, structured, and lethal on the counter.

There is one clear precedent that shapes his thinking. Atlético's 5-2 win here last September was an aberration, a performance that exposed Real Madrid's high defensive line against pace and movement. Mourinho, who was not in the dugout that night, has studied the tape thoroughly. The team he sends out on Saturday will be set up specifically to deny Atlético the transitions that hurt the previous incarnation of this side.

In midfield, he will demand discipline. The double pivot will be asked to screen and protect before it can attack. In attack, he will demand patience and precision. The one thing Mourinho will not tolerate in a derby is a repeat of defensive naivety, regardless of whether it was his fault.

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The Predicted Starting 11 | 4-2-3-1

Based on squad availability, recent form, and tactical logic for a hostile away derby, the predicted lineup is: Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella; Aurélien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Kylian Mbappé.

Courtois is not just Real Madrid's number one. In derbies, he is a difference-maker. His reading of the game and shot-stopping at the highest level have repeatedly turned matches. Against Atlético's sharp forward line, he will be called upon at least twice, and he will answer.

Dumfries gets the nod at right back in what is a considered selection for a match where defensive solidity matters over attacking enterprise. His physical presence against Atlético's left flank can be decisive. Huijsen and Konaté continue as the central defensive partnership, with Rüdiger available from the bench should Mourinho need experience and aggression in the final phase. Cucurella at left back has been the season's quiet success story, and his defensive intelligence makes him better suited for this fixture than an attacking option.

The big call in midfield is the selection of Tchouameni alongside Valverde in a double pivot rather than the more expansive option of Camavinga. This is Mourinho at his most pragmatic. Tchouameni's physical screening and defensive reading, paired with Valverde's relentless work rate and press-disruption, gives Real Madrid the exact kind of midfield compactness that a Simeone side will struggle to dismantle. Camavinga provides genuine impact from the bench.

Arda Güler starts on the right of the front three, and his selection is no longer a question. It is a certainty. He has been the team's most influential player this season by performance impact, and Mourinho's admission at the pre-Elche press conference that Güler is "top, top" was as close to a public coronation as the Portuguese manager delivers. In a match where Real Madrid will look to exploit space on the counter, Güler's ability to receive between the lines and execute quickly in tight spaces is invaluable.

Bellingham runs the game from the number ten position. In derbies, Bellingham finds another level. His intensity, his leadership, and his habit of arriving into goal-scoring positions at precisely the right moment have defined his Real Madrid career. This is the stage he was built for.

Vinicius on the left carries the most obvious attacking threat. Mourinho has publicly challenged him to find his goalscoring edge again, and the Brazilian's response in training has reportedly been excellent this week. Against Atlético's right flank, he has the pace and the directness to cause damage. He will be targeted defensively, heavily, and that means he will have to be smarter with the ball than he was in Elche.

Mbappé leads the line. The away record caveat from recent weeks has now been addressed with a goal in Elche, and Mbappé's sharpness in front of goal is carrying that extra edge of a man who knows the pressure is on him in the big matches. The last time Real Madrid played at this exact stadium in a LaLiga match, Mbappé played. He did not score. That statistic ends on Saturday.

 

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Suggested Substitutions

The bench is deep enough to change the game and Mourinho will use it tactically, not desperately.

Camavinga (for Tchouameni, ~65 min): If Atlético have been managed and the game is under control, Camavinga brings energy and a more progressive passing game in the second period. He can push the tempo at the right moment.

Rüdiger (for Konaté or Huijsen, ~70 min): If the scoreline gets complicated, Rüdiger brings aggression and set-piece threat in attack as well as defensive authority. He also provides Mourinho with the ability to go to a back three if needed.

Brahim Díaz (for Güler, ~75 min): Fresh legs and that Atlético-punishing combination of pace and pressing, ideal for tiring defensive legs in the final quarter.

Endrick (for Vinicius or Mbappé, ~80 min): If Real Madrid need a goal or want to press higher late, Endrick brings the kind of explosive directness that deep defensive blocks cannot handle. He has been outstanding in training.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Dumfries, ~80 min): If the game is controlled and Mourinho wants to dominate possession in the closing stages, Trent provides the passing range and composure that turns a one-goal win into a game management exercise.

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Head-to-Head and What to Watch

The historical record across all LaLiga meetings between these clubs stretches across decades of Madrid football history. Since arriving at Atlético in August 2024, Álvarez has contributed the most goals, shots, and joint-most assists among all Atleti players, making him the central figure around whom Simeone's attack is built. If he starts on Saturday, his impact on this match will be enormous. If he does not, Atlético lose their most potent offensive weapon for the biggest game of their season so far.

Real Madrid will press from the front early, look to establish Bellingham as the key link between defence and attack, and seek to isolate Vinicius and Güler in one-on-one situations on the flanks. Atlético, under Simeone, will sit compactly and wait for the moment to spring. Their counter-pressing, when it works, creates chaos. When it does not, a Real Madrid side this loaded in quality has too many answers.

The 69,000 seats at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano will be filled with the most demanding supporters in European football. The atmosphere will be hostile, the intensity will be electric, and for ninety minutes, it will be the only match in the world.

For Mourinho, for Mbappé, for Bellingham, for Vinicius, and for every player in white who remembers what happened here twelve months ago, the motivation does not need a speech. It is already written in the result from last September.

Hala Madrid.

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Follow Real Madrid: The Starting 11 for predicted lineups, convocatoria news, and matchday analysis across LaLiga and the Champions League.

Elche Vs Real madrid: Player Ratings (Getting it done right at the end after wasteful first half)

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 6  ·  Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche

Elche 2 — 3 Real Madrid

Tuesday, 15 September 2026  ·  Att: 30,383  ·  Ref: Jesús Gil Manzano

OG Dituro 25' (Güler free-kick) Mbappé 33' (ast. Diomande) Osorio 71' Fer Niño 83' Espí 90+1' (ast. Mbappé)

44%

Possession (RM)

20

Shots (RM)

3.56

xG (RM)

0.85

xG (Elche)

50

Box Touches (RM)

This was one of those nights that will live in Real Madrid's 2026-27 folklore. Two goals up at the break, looking comfortable and in cruise control, Mourinho's side were pegged back to 2-2 by a spirited Elche side that looked a completely transformed team in the second half. Then, from nowhere, Carlos Espí — the 21-year-old summer recruit — delivered yet again in the dying seconds to claim all three points and cement his place as Madrid's most important impact substitute.

The pattern was familiar. Güler's dangerous, curling free-kick bounced off the left post at the 25-minute mark, ran along the goalline, and deflected in off the helpless Matías Dituro. Eight minutes later Yan Diomande, with his first LaLiga goal contribution, slid a perfectly weighted pass across the face of goal for Mbappé to tuck away. At 0-2 with Elche looking toothless, three points seemed inevitable.

The second half told a completely different story. Elche pressed higher, their substitutes changed the dynamic, and Abiel Osorio headed one back on 71 minutes. With seven minutes remaining, substitute Fer Niño found the bottom corner and the tie was level. Madrid looked shell-shocked. Then Mourinho sent Espí on for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mbappé received Bellingham's incisive pass down the channel, squared perfectly, and Espí was right on cue to tap home. Wild celebrations. Three points. Title race very much alive.

Real Madrid dominated the xG battle 3.56 to 0.85 but only managed four shots on target from 20 attempts — a finishing wastefulness that Mourinho will need to address ahead of the derby. The result moves them level with Barcelona on 15 points after six games.

Mourinho Post-Match

"I love this team. I love the character. When you're 2-2 at Elche with seven minutes left, some teams give up. We did not. We found a way. That is the spirit of Real Madrid and I want to see this every game." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference

"Carlos Espí is the kind of player we need for this type of match. Two goals, two last-minute winners. He is 21. He is hungry. He understands what this club demands. I am not surprised — I signed him because I know what he can do." José Mourinho on Espí

"The second half was not good enough from us. We had the game under control and then we lost it mentally. That is something we need to improve. When a team presses you with more intensity in the second half and you have already done the hard work, you need to manage the game better. We didn't. But football gives you moments and tonight Espí took his moment." José Mourinho on the second-half collapse

"The hardest part of playing three games in one week? Six press conferences. I am serious. I am tired of you and you are tired of me. But here we are. It is our job." José Mourinho (pre-match, with characteristic wit)

Player Ratings

Ratings represent our assessment cross-referenced with FotMob, WhoScored, and SofaScore ratings where published. Starting XI and substitutes who featured.

🧤 Goalkeeper

6.0

#1

Thibaut Courtois

A night to forget for the Belgian. Couldn't do anything about the Osorio header but was perhaps slow to cover the near post. The Fer Niño goal that levelled it was a low, drilled strike across goal that Courtois will feel he should have stopped — he guessed the right way but couldn't get down quickly enough. His distribution was strong and he made one sharp save in the first half but the second-half defensive collapse happened in front of him and he could not bail Madrid out.

FotMob: 6.1 · WhoScored: 6.2 · Our Rating: 6.0

🛡️ Defenders

7.5

#12

Trent Alexander-Arnold ↓ 87'

A composed and intelligent performance at right back. Trent provided Madrid's best outlet in the first half with his precise forward passing and clever positioning. Completed 89% of his passes, created two chances and was always available in tight spaces. Substituted for Espí in the 87th minute — a tactical masterstroke in hindsight. Unlucky to be taken off, having been one of Madrid's better performers.

FotMob: 7.5 · WhoScored: 7.3 · Our Rating: 7.5

6.5

#16

Ibrahima Konaté 🟨 73'

Solid in the first half and commanding in aerial duels. But the yellow card in the 73rd minute — received for a clumsy challenge as Elche upped the tempo — was avoidable and indicative of the defensive fragility that crept in. Could not prevent either Elche goal. His positioning for the Fer Niño strike was poor and he was too easily bypassed for the Osorio header. Still, a mixed night rather than a bad one.

FotMob: 6.5 · WhoScored: 6.3 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.8

#4

Dean Huijsen

The Dutchman was composed and reading the game well for large stretches. Won his ground duels, made several smart interceptions and looked in control during the first half. The second-half difficulties were systemic rather than his alone, though he was caught flat-footed for Elche's equaliser when the backline failed to step up in time. A solid enough showing overall from a 20-year-old playing with maturity.

FotMob: 6.9 · WhoScored: 6.7 · Our Rating: 6.8

5.8

#17

Marc Cucurella

A difficult night at left back. Cucurella was dispossessed twice in dangerous areas and offered relatively little in the attacking phase. Elche's right side caused him problems throughout the second half and both their goals originated from his side of the pitch. Gave away set-pieces with reckless challenges. Not his night — and with the derby approaching, Mourinho will have concerns about the left flank.

FotMob: 5.9 · WhoScored: 5.8 · Our Rating: 5.8

⚽ Midfielders

7.4

#8

Federico Valverde

One of Madrid's most consistent performers on the night. Valverde covered every blade of grass — his relentless pressing in the first half suffocated Elche's build-up and his recovery runs in the second half prevented what could have been a more serious scoreline. Completed 87% of his passes and made five ball recoveries. Did not produce the decisive moments but his engine was at the heart of everything good about Madrid's pressing structure.

FotMob: 7.4 · WhoScored: 7.2 · Our Rating: 7.4

7.6

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni ↓ 86'

A genuinely encouraging return for Tchouaméni in what is only his second appearance of the season. Operating as a proper double pivot alongside Valverde, he brought defensive structure and presence that Madrid have sorely missed. Won 4 of his 5 ground duels, intercepted twice and showed the physical sharpness that is returning steadily. Substituted at 86 minutes as a precautionary measure. The partnership with Valverde is one to build on.

FotMob: 7.6 · WhoScored: 7.3 · Our Rating: 7.6

🔥 Forwards

8.5

#25

Yan Diomande 🅰 33' 🟨 4' ↓ 90+2'

The most complete performance of his short Madrid career so far. Diomande was direct, intelligent and a constant source of danger on the right flank. His assist for Mbappé's goal — a perfectly timed, precise cut-back across the face of goal — was the moment of the first half. The early yellow card was unfortunate but he never let it inhibit his natural aggression. He was still torturing Elche's left back deep into stoppage time before being replaced. His first LaLiga goal involvement, and it could not have come at a more important moment.

FotMob: 8.5 · WhoScored: 8.2 · Our Rating: 8.5

7.6

#15

Arda Güler 🎯 25' (FK) ↓ 68'

The first goal had Güler's fingerprints all over it — his curling 25-yard free-kick whipped around the wall, struck the left post, ran along the goalline and deflected in off the goalkeeper. It was pure technique. For the first hour he was inventive, linking play cleverly and creating two more half-chances with his quick feet and vision. Withdrawn at 68 minutes to allow Bellingham on. An excellent first hour that included the most important moment of the game.

FotMob: 7.6 · WhoScored: 7.8 · Our Rating: 7.6

5.5

#7

Vinícius Júnior ↓ 68'

An unusually quiet and wasteful night for the Brazilian. He had the best chance of the first half to make it 3-0 but dragged his shot wide when the goal was gaping. Was dispossessed four times and failed to complete three of his seven dribble attempts — poor metrics by his standards. Elche's defensive shape managed to limit his influence with double coverage whenever he received the ball wide. Substituted at 68 minutes, a decision that looked fully justified given his performance level.

FotMob: 6.9 · WhoScored: 6.1 · Our Rating: 5.5

8.7

#10

Kylian Mbappé ⚽ 33' 🅰 90+1'

Mbappé was the dominant force in this match — a constant headache for Elche's backline and the man who ultimately delivered the victory in the most dramatic fashion. His first-half finish was crisp and clinical despite taking a blow to the knee from Dituro. He had a brace disallowed by VAR. But the defining moment came in the 90th minute — sensing Bellingham's run, he darted onto the pass, drew the last defender, and squared perfectly for Espí to tap in. FotMob's Man of the Match (8.7), and the number is deserved. Six goals and two assists in seven matches across all competitions this season. Unstoppable.

FotMob: 8.7 ⭐ MOTM · WhoScored: 8.4 · Our Rating: 8.7

🔄 Substitutes

6.6

#5

Jude Bellingham ↑ 68' 🅰 90+1'

Came on just as the match began to turn against Madrid and his arrival changed the dynamic of the midfield. His assist for Espí's winner was the key moment of his cameo — an incisive ball down the left channel played in behind the defence for Mbappé to run onto, precise and perfectly weighted. Not his most complete 22-minute shift but he delivered when it mattered most. Bellingham's ability to produce in clutch moments remains one of his defining qualities.

FotMob: 6.6 · WhoScored: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

6.5

#21

Brahim Díaz ↑ 68'

Replaced Vinícius and tried to inject energy and directness into a Madrid attack that was starting to look nervous. Created one chance and was involved in the pressing that forced Elche errors. Not his most influential cameo but he worked hard in a difficult period of the match.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

9.0

#19

Carlos Espí ↑ 87' ⚽ 90+1'

The hero. For the second time this season — having done it on his debut at Espanyol — Espí came off the bench in the dying minutes and delivered a match-winning goal. When Mbappé's perfectly judged square ball found him at the back post with the goal open, he did not hesitate. One touch, one goal, three points. No other player in LaLiga this season has scored two winners in the 90th minute or later. This is not luck. This is a player with the mental fortitude and physical readiness to produce when everything is on the line. Mourinho knows exactly what he has in Espí, and the fans are beginning to understand it too.

FotMob: N/R (short cameo) · Our Rating: 9.0 (impact)

N/R

#9

Endrick ↑ 86'

Only four minutes on the pitch — not enough to rate fairly. Brought on as a fresh runner as Madrid chased the game. His intent and energy were immediately visible, and he showed two sharp movements into space. His time is coming.

FotMob: N/R · Our Rating: N/R

The headline of this night belongs to Espí, but the architecture of the victory was built by Mbappé's relentless running, Güler's technical brilliance in the first hour, Diomande's first major contribution, and Tchouaméni's return to something approaching his best. The defensive frailty in the second half is a concern — Madrid simply cannot afford to switch off at 2-0 against opponents of higher quality. The Atlético derby awaits. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 LaLiga Matchday 6 Away Win Player Ratings Real Madrid Elche Espí Mbappé Güler Mourinho September

Elche vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

Elche vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11 | LaLiga Matchday 6

Estadio Martínez Valero, Elche | Tuesday, 15 September 2026 | 21:30 CET

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Real Madrid travel to Elche tonight for their third away fixture of the LaLiga season, carrying the momentum of a convincing 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu on Saturday. Five games into the new season, Real Madrid sit firmly in second place in the LaLiga standings with 12 points to their name. Only Barcelona, with a perfect 15 from 15, sit ahead of them.

The fixture looks straightforward on paper. Elche arrive at this game in 19th place with just two points from five matches, having scored six goals while conceding thirteen. Yet the numbers that demand attention belong not to Elche but to Real Madrid themselves. One cannot help but notice that the team have struggled in both of their away games so far this season: first a 2-1 win over Espanyol at the death and then a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis. Tonight is the opportunity to settle that away anxiety before the season's first true test arrives.

And that test is coming fast. The first massive domestic challenge for Real Madrid is set to take place this weekend when Los Blancos lock horns with local rivals Atlético Madrid in the season's first derby. In that sense, the clash tonight against Elche will be the team's final match practice before the derby and becomes all the more important in terms of gauging their preparation.

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The Squad List | Convocatoria

 

José Mourinho has named the following group for the trip to Elche:

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Mestre

Defenders: Asencio, Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger, Dumfries

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Thiago

Forwards: Vini Jr., Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, Yan Diomande

Coach: José Mourinho

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Mourinho's Press Conference: What the Special One Said

José Mourinho faced the media on Monday at Ciudad Real Madrid with the tone of a man who knows exactly what this week means. He was direct about the objective: "Elche? We want to win tomorrow. Play well, and win. Nothing more."

On his handling of the squad through a congested schedule, Mourinho stressed that improvement and player development remain his guiding principles, while also revealing a great deal about individual players.

On Vinicius Júnior, the manager raised the bar publicly and deliberately. He said: "His best form is when he scores. Providing assists is important, working for the team is very important, his day-to-day work is important, and he does it very well... But there's another side to Vinicius. A Vinicius who arrived at Benfica last year and who, given a chance, scored a goal and went home. He's lacking that top-class performance."

On Arda Güler, the praise was effusive and revealing. Mourinho said: "There are people better qualified than me to talk about his development. Physically, he's been transformed, but for me his quality of play is incredible: his vision, his organisation of the game. For me, he's a lad with fantastic potential and very impressive statistics. He's a player who has a huge influence on the game, but I don't want to go so far as to say 'top, top, top' three times, though I can certainly say 'top, top'."

That is high praise delivered in Mourinho's uniquely measured fashion and it carries significant lineup implications.

On Tchouameni, Mourinho confirmed the midfielder will feature against Elche, though his minutes will be carefully managed after a gradual return to fitness: "I'm thinking in terms of minutes. Against Inter he played 10 to 15, and we were all a bit unsure. Against Rayo we went up to 20 to 25. In the next few matches we'll increase that further. He's getting better and better; he's feeling stronger and more confident. He'll play tomorrow. At the moment, I can't tell you for how long."

On Yan Diomande's fight for game time, Mourinho was both complimentary and honest about the reality of the competition at this club. He said: "He's got everything he needs. If, instead of being at Real Madrid, he were at another club, he'd be a first-team regular and play the full 90 minutes. We've got a very strong squad here. There's Vinicius, Brahim, Arda, and Rodrygo coming in January. It's hard to talk about an undisputed first-team regular at Real Madrid."

On his tactical flexibility in midfield, Mourinho offered a rare window into how he thinks about formations. He explained: "We need to look at how we work overall with Cucurella and Carreras, with Dumfries and Trent, the centre-backs. We're working to get the whole squad on the same page, because that has a huge impact on day-to-day operations. The midfielders also get involved, and we can play with a '6' and two '8s', or the other way round. We're prepared for all of this. We can change players and roles, but the game plan and the dynamics don't change. We always try to find a balance without losing our identity."

Finally, when asked about Lamine Yamal's Ballon d'Or comments ahead of Real Madrid's looming title rivalry with Barcelona, Mourinho kept his powder dry: "I can't comment on everyone's statements. I respect a player's comments."

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The Predicted Starting 11 | 4-2-3-1

Based on Mourinho's press conference signals and the squad list, the predicted lineup for tonight is: Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella; Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Kylian Mbappé.

Courtois remains undroppable. His authority between the sticks has been central to Real Madrid conceding just four goals in five league matches.

Dumfries gets the nod at right back ahead of Trent in what may be an audition ahead of the derby. Huijsen and Konaté continue as the central defensive partnership, with Rüdiger available from the bench should Mourinho want experience and physicality in the second half. Cucurella at left back continues to justify the faith shown in him since his arrival.

In the double pivot, Valverde and Camavinga provide the energy and press-resistance that an away game on a tight pitch demands. Tchouameni, as the manager confirmed, will enter from the bench with a defined minutes target, likely in the 60th to 70th minute window.

Arda Güler starts on the right of the front three. Over all of the team's games so far, Real Madrid have performed significantly better with Güler on the field. While he has played primarily on the right wing, there is also a growing sense of understanding that he could be the Kroos and Modrić replacement the club needs. Tonight is his clearest case yet for a permanent starting berth.

Bellingham operates through the middle in the number ten role, with Vinicius on the left carrying Mourinho's very public challenge ringing in his ears. The manager wants more efficiency in front of goal, and tonight's fixture against a leaky Elche defence is the ideal stage to respond.

Mbappé leads the line, and there is a compelling subplot here. His last goal away from home in La Liga came back in early February this year, against Valencia at Mestalla, and he has not scored on the road in the league ever since. This season, Real Madrid have already played away against Espanyol and Real Betis and Mbappé did not score on either night, despite scoring in all four home games. The Martínez Valero tonight is exactly the kind of stage where that record gets broken.

 

 

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Suggested Substitutions

Mourinho's bench offers serious impact options and will be managed with the Atlético Madrid derby in mind.

Tchouameni (for Camavinga, ~65 min): Confirmed by Mourinho to play with managed minutes. His entry transforms the double pivot into something more defensive and disciplined, which suits protecting a lead.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Dumfries, ~70 min): If the game is in hand, Trent comes on to control possession and keep the rhythm without physical risk ahead of the derby.

Brahim Díaz (for Güler, ~75 min): Fresh legs and dribbling creativity to exploit a tiring Elche backline in the final quarter of the game.

Endrick (for Mbappé or Vinicius, ~80 min): The young Brazilian adds pace and directness when spaces open up late. A game situation like this is where Mourinho will want to give him meaningful minutes.

Yan Diomande (for Bellingham, ~80 min): If the tie is comfortable, Diomande gets his chance to stake his claim ahead of a week that includes the derby. As Mourinho himself said, at any other club in Europe, he would be a guaranteed starter.

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Head-to-Head and What to Watch

The historical record between these two clubs is heavily in Real Madrid's favour, with seven wins for Los Blancos and zero for Elche across their total meetings. Elche are a club fighting for their LaLiga lives this season, currently in the bottom two and conceding at an alarming rate. They are, however, energised by playing in front of their own supporters and desperate for a result that could change the feel of their season entirely.

Real Madrid will look to dominate possession and use the width provided by Vinicius and Güler to stretch Elche's defensive shape, creating central corridors for Bellingham and Mbappé to exploit. Expect Mourinho's side to press high early, establish control before the half hour, and then manage the game intelligently in the second period as the derby looms large on the horizon.

For Vinicius, for Mbappé, for Güler and for the entire Real Madrid squad, tonight is a statement opportunity. Not just three points on the board, but a message sent to Barcelona, to Atlético, and to the rest of LaLiga: this team is building, it is winning, and the best is still ahead.

Hala Madrid.

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Follow Real Madrid: The Starting 11 for predicted lineups, convocatoria news, and matchday analysis across LaLiga and the Champions League.

Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano: Mbappé Double and Carreras Masterclass Get Mourinho's Men Back to Winning Ways

Real Madrid bounced back emphatically from their recent domestic slip-up with a commanding 4-1 victory over cross-town neighbors Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Eager to dust off the narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last week, José Mourinho opted for an aggressive starting lineup that combined flair, power, and immediate tactical intent.

    

The gamble paid off rapidly as Los Blancos steamrolled through the first 45 minutes. A clinical first-half blitz featured a Kylian Mbappé penalty, a beautifully worked goal from Álvaro Carreras, and a trademark arrival into the box by Jude Bellingham to put Madrid 3-0 up before the break. Though a temporary dip in physical intensity early in the second half allowed Sergio Camello to pull one back for the visitors, Madrid held tight. Deep into stoppage time, Mbappé slammed home his second of the night to tie things up neatly, securing all three points and keeping Madrid tied at the summit of LaLiga.

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🎙️ Mourinho's Post-Match Comments: "A 45-Minute Affair"

Speaking to reporters in the Bernabéu press room after the final whistle, José Mourinho gave a candid, tactical breakdown of his team's performance, highlighting both their devastating early form and their visible second-half fatigue:

"The win was important, especially after last round's defeat to Real Betis. The aim was to start strongly and wrap the match up quickly, and we achieved that. I’d describe the match as a 45-minute affair. In 45 minutes, it was over."

Addressing the team's visible drop-off in the second period, Mourinho focused heavily on the grueling nature of the current calendar:

"I knew the team didn't have the physical and mental strength to play the second half the way they did. A good illustration of what I'm saying is how Bellingham played without any energy for the last ten minutes. Practically everyone made mistakes in build-up play, struggled to press... I expected it to be like that given our Champions League experience."

Mourinho also took a moment to praise the depth of his squad, highlighting the positive impacts of Arda Güler and debut starter Yan Diomandé:

"Arda makes a big impact when he's on the pitch. When he came on, he made all the difference in terms of the stability of our play. There's nothing but quality on the bench. As for Diomandé, he has incredible potential. He's got a lot to learn tactically, but right now, I just want to help him develop."

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📊 Real Madrid Player Ratings: Matchday 5 (Season Rating)

Here is how the individual Merengues fared under Mourinho's tactical spotlight on Saturday night:

🧤 Goalkeeper & Defense

Thibaut Courtois — 6.5/10
Hardly called into serious action during the first-half onslaught. He made a couple of comfortable collections from distance and cleared his lines well. Could do nothing to prevent Camello's close-range effort.

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Denzel Dumfries — 7.5/10
An absolute powerhouse down the right channel. He proved completely unbreakable in individual duels and nearly added a goal of his own with a thumping header from a corner routine.

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Ibrahima Konaté — 6.0/10
Brought exceptional recovery pace when moving out from the back. However, he suffered a slight blemish when Camello's shot unluckily slipped through his legs for Rayo’s lone goal.

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Álvaro Carreras — 9.0/10 (Man of the Match)
An absolute revelation on the left flank. He won the penalty for the opener, combined brilliantly with Mbappé to smash home Madrid’s second goal, and looked dynamic every time he moved forward.

⚙️ Midfield & Tactical Transitions

Federico Valverde — 7.5/10
Captain for the night. Valverde provided the defensive stability and work rate Mourinho begged for in the middle of the pitch. He pressed frantically and controlled the distribution tempo.

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Jude Bellingham — 8.0/10
A lethal offensive force in the first half, timing his run to perfection to make it 3-0. He completely ran out of gas around the 80th minute as noted by his manager, but his foundational work was world-class.

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Yan Diomandé — 7.0/10
Handed his first official start by Mourinho. While his raw tactical positioning requires refining, his one-on-one directness and acceleration gave the Rayo backline constant nightmares.

🚀 Attackers & Substitutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vinícius Júnior — 7.5/10
Showcased immense physical fitness and ran at full throttle all night, but his final ball occasionally lacked clinical precision. Still, a highly unselfish and demanding shift out wide.

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Kylian Mbappé — 9.0/10
Devastatingly ruthless. He opened his account with a perfectly dispatched penalty before showing exquisite chemistry with Carreras for the second. His late stoppage-time finish sealed his brace and the victory.

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Arda Güler (Sub) — 7.5/10
Introduced in the second half to calm the waters. His delicate footwork and elite spatial awareness immediately injected stability, helping Madrid reclaim total control over a chaotic midfield battle.