Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: The Starting 11

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: The Starting 11 | LaLiga Matchday 5

Santiago Bernabéu | Saturday, 12 September 2026 | 21:00 CET

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Real Madrid return to Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday looking to do what they do best: win at home and put pressure on a Barcelona side that has started the 2026/27 LaLiga season in frightening form. José Mourinho's men arrive at Matchday 5 sitting third in the table with nine points from four games, having bounced back from a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Real Betis with a controlled 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan midweek. Rayo Vallecano, sitting 13th on four points, make the short trip across the capital as uncomfortable visitors as ever.

This is not a fixture Real Madrid can afford to take lightly. Real Madrid had won their opening three La Liga matches, including comfortable victories over Real Sociedad and Malaga, before a shock 1-0 defeat at Real Betis ended an 11-game unbeaten run. The response against Inter was positive, but Mourinho knows that LaLiga points are what ultimately define a season, and with Barcelona sitting clear at the top on 12 points, there is no room for further slip-ups.

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The Squad List

 

José Mourinho has named the following 23-man group for Saturday's clash:

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: In His Own Words

The Special One was at his most candid and combative in Friday's pre-match press conference at Ciudad Real Madrid, covering everything from squad harmony to his strongest public defence yet of Vinicius Jr.

The manager began by insisting his squad had recovered well from the Champions League victory, while stressing that Rayo deserve respect after their own positive result. "We are happy, united, working well. Obviously, working well means recovering well. Today we focused on tactics rather than high intensity. But we're respecting the opposition. They are coming off the back of a win and have shown their quality. We need to be fully focused for tomorrow."

On the subject of Vinicius Jr., who was booed by sections of the Bernabéu crowd during Tuesday's Inter Milan win despite contributing nine ball recoveries and working tirelessly without the ball, Mourinho came out swinging in defence of his winger.

"In Portugal there's a proverb that goes, 'you only throw stones at trees that bear fruit.' What has Vini achieved here in recent years? How many Champions Leagues has he won? How many goals has he scored? He's a tree bearing plenty of fruit. The best Vinicius is yet to come. The one from last year, when the Bernabéu was on edge against Benfica and he sealed the tie. That Vinicius is yet to come."

When pressed on whether it affects him personally to hear his player booed at his own stadium, Mourinho was honest and measured. "It makes me sad, because I'm very demanding of my own players. The other day I read a statement from Huijsen, saying that I'm a pain, that I'm always on their backs. And that's true, I am very demanding. I respect a player who gives his all. He wanted to play, he wanted to help; he played as part of the team and showed respect for the club crest. That sort of player will always have my support."

On Kylian Mbappé and the criticism aimed at the Frenchman, Mourinho was equally unflinching. "Kylian is right: a player who scores 40 goals every season isn't a problem for the team. There are different kinds of people, those who understand and those who don't; the latter know it's not in their interests to talk about positive things. I've seen Kylian drop back to the 10-yard line to help Cucurella whilst a very demanding manager was shouting at him. I really value that sort of behaviour."

On the possibility of rotation and whether Yan Diomande could feature from the start, the Portuguese manager kept his cards close. "I'm not going to answer that directly. I won't say who's playing or not. It's a game we want to win, and we have to go all out. Maybe rotation isn't the right word, but there will be room for fresh energy. We worked really hard on Tuesday, and we have many more options because we have fresh legs. It's three games in nine days, but the focus is on tomorrow and how to win."

Asked about Thibaut Courtois, Valverde and Tchouameni, he was warm and revealing about the culture within the dressing room. "As for Valverde and Tchouameni, if I'd known nothing about it and arrived without knowing anything, I would have thought they were great friends. I haven't done anything; I haven't been the 'Minister of Peace'. They've built a squad that I really like."

In a moment that brought levity to the room, Mourinho also responded to Rayo manager Benat San Jose, who had named a Real Madrid figure he would want removed from the tie. Mourinho jokingly said, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Benat San Jose for his words, 'far too kind', he didn't deserve such praise. I'll give him a hug tomorrow."

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The Predicted Starting 11

Based on the squad list and pre-match indications, expect Mourinho to set up in his preferred 4-2-3-1 shape. The predicted lineup reads: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior; Kylian Mbappé.

Courtois is the undisputed No.1 between the sticks and takes his place in goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold continues his adjustment to life in Madrid, lining up at right back, with Rüdiger/Konate and Huijsen forming a central defensive partnership that has grown increasingly assured. Marc Cucurella, whose summer arrival raised eyebrows before he won over critics with a stellar World Cup, slots in at left back.

In the double pivot, the key tactical question is how Bernardo Silva/Fede and Camavinga complement each other: one offering composure and vision, the other energy and press-resistance. Arda Güler, one of the most exciting young talents in European football, continues in an advanced position on the right of the three, with Bellingham through the centre and Vinicius on the left. Mbappé leads the line, and with 40-goal seasons now a benchmark expectation, the Frenchman has plenty of motivation to deliver on his own turf.

Yan Diomande is the most intriguing name in the squad and a player the Bernabéu faithful are keen to see more of. Whether Mourinho trusts the Ivorian from the start or introduces him from the bench as a high-energy option may well determine how the second half unfolds.

 

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What to Watch

Real Madrid are expected to control possession while using the electric pace of Vinicius Júnior and Mbappé to keep the visitors under high-intensity pressure. Rayo Vallecano are likely to adopt a compact, low-block defensive system designed to frustrate the hosts, while looking to threaten Madrid on the counter.

Real Madrid have dominated the head-to-head record against Rayo Vallecano, with 34 wins for Los Blancos out of 48 matches. Yet Rayo, as the derby side from the other side of the capital, rarely read the script when it arrives at Vallecas or the Bernabéu. Their physicality, their organisation and their sheer willingness to fight make them a trickier proposition than their league position suggests.

For Vinicius in particular, there is a personal subplot. He faces Andrei Ratiu, a right back who has made a habit of making his life difficult. The Brazilian has scored only twice in ten appearances against Rayo since arriving in Spain, and has not found the net against them in over a year. Saturday is the perfect stage to change that record and win back the Bernabéu crowd in a single defining moment.

FC Barcelona sit comfortably clear at the top of LaLiga with 12 points from four games, with Real Madrid third on nine. Every dropped point now has outsized consequences in a title race that is already shaping up to feel urgent. Mourinho's side cannot afford another stumble, and with this squad, on this stage, there is every reason to expect them to deliver.

Real Madrid. Santiago Bernabéu. Under the lights. The expectation is enormous. The squad is ready.

Hala Madrid.

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Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Mourinho’s Men Return to Training as Tactical Focus Shifts to LaLiga Clash at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid are back on the training pitch and shifting their focus entirely to domestic duties after a grueling European night. The squad held a brand-new training session at the Ciudad Real Madrid to kickstart intensive preparations for their upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano.

José Mourinho’s team will play the fifth LaLiga matchday of the campaign at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 pm CEST. For fans tuning in across Spain and around the world, the highly anticipated Madrid derby will be broadcast live via Orange and Dazn.

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🏋️‍♂️ Training Insights: Recovery Strategy and Tactical Drills

With the fixture calendar tightening up, Mourinho and his coaching staff split the squad into two distinct groups during the morning session to optimize player fitness and tactical readiness.

• The Recovery Group: The players who started in the heavy-duty clash against Inter Milan carried out specific recovery work. This low-intensity routine—consisting of light jogging, stretching, and hydrotherapy—is designed to alleviate muscle fatigue and ensure the core lineup bounce back physically from their European exploits.
• The Tactical Group: The rest of the available squad spent their time engaged in high-intensity football drills. The session began with an in-depth tactical phase where Mourinho outlined the spatial awareness and movements required to break down Rayo Vallecano's compact defensive lines. Following the tactical brief, the players performed fast-paced possession and pressing exercises, sharpening their transitional play under pressure.
• Finishing Touches: The training session concluded with high-velocity shooting drills and a highly competitive, small-sided game. Players on the fringes are visibly fighting for a spot in the upcoming starting eleven, giving Mourinho plenty to ponder ahead of Saturday night.

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🏥 Medical Report: The Injury Crisis Persists

While the energy at the Ciudad Real Madrid remains high, the club's medical room is still heavily occupied. The squad updates ahead of Matchday 5 reveal that several first-team regulars are still sidelined.

• Ferland Mendy (hamstring), Éder Militão (hamstring), and Rodrygo (knee / ACL) all continue their respective recovery processes.

None of the three took part in group training, as they remain confined to indoor gym work and specialized physiotherapy sessions. Mourinho will have to continue relying on his makeshift defensive and attacking structures to get the job done at the Bernabéu.

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📺 Watch the Training Session

Get an exclusive, inside look at how the players are shaping up for the derby. Check out the official training footage directly below to see the intensity of the pressing drills, the tactical setups, and the best goals scored during the small-sided game:

 

 

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🔎 Predicting the Starting 11 vs Rayo Vallecano

Given the recovery needs of the starters and the ongoing absences of Mendy, Militão, and Rodrygo, Mourinho’s selection will be a balancing act between freshness and elite quality.

Thibaut Courtois is a certainty between the posts. In defense, expect Marc Cucurella to lock down the left-back slot assuming his fitness holds, while Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen continue to hold down the center back partnership.

The midfield double-pivot will likely feature Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham once again, though Mourinho might look to introduce fresh legs like Trent Alexander-Arnold if rotation is required. Upfront, the dangerous duo of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé will spearhead the offense, aiming to deliver a dominant home victory in front of the Madridistas.

Stay tuned to Real Madrid Starting 11! Hala Madrid!

Real Madrid Vs Inter Milan: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Inter Milan at home at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu in the UEFA Champions League league phase opener. The last Real Madrid game was a frustrating 1-0 defeat away at Real Betis, where Kylian Mbappe missed a late penalty in stoppage time. It was a difficult result to take and the team will be eager to bounce back in the most important stage of club football.

The team rating for the match against Real Betis can be found here: Team Rating

This is Mourinho's second stint at Real Madrid and his Champions League debut in this new chapter begins tonight. Real have suffered quarter-final exits in each of the last two seasons, and the hunger to go further this time around is real. However, the timing is not ideal with a severe injury and suspension crisis hanging over the squad heading into this fixture.

Inter Milan are the Serie A title defenders and have started in electric form, taking nine points from nine in the league. They are clinical, well-organized, and arrive at the Bernabeu with a full-strength squad and a point to prove on the European stage.

Earlier head-to-head meetings in the Champions League group phase have historically favored Real Madrid, and Los Blancos will want that record to count for something tonight.

Looking at the

Injury List:

1. Eder Militao (hamstring)
2. Rodrygo (knee / ACL)
3. Ferland Mendy (hamstring)
4. Raul Asencio (tibia)
5. Aurelien Tchouameni (muscle, major doubt)
6. Thiago Pitarch (knee)

Suspended:

1. Eduardo Camavinga (ban carried over from last season)
2. Arda Guler (ban carried over from last season)
3. Bernardo Silva (ban carried over from last season)

Doubtful:

1. Marc Cucurella (calf, trained Monday, to be assessed)
2. Endrick (muscle, trained Monday, bench only if available)

Just Recovered:

1. Marc Cucurella
2. Endrick
3. Aurelien Tchouameni (in light training, unlikely to start)

Practiced:

The rest of the players are available for selection.

Skipped Practice:

• None confirmed

Coach Comments:

Mourinho: "Inter are a great team, a complete team. But this is the Bernabeu and we play at home in the Champions League. My players know what this shirt demands. We will be ready."

Other Comments:

Valverde: "We have had some difficult days with injuries and suspensions. But those of us who are available are ready to give everything. The Champions League is where this club lives."

Squad Updates:

This will be Real Madrid's first European outing of the 2026-27 season, and the injury and suspension list reads like a crisis management document. Mourinho could be without as many as eight or nine first-team regulars, which makes selection almost painful before a ball has been kicked in the group phase.

In goal, Thibaut Courtois starts. He is one of the best in the business on the big stage and this occasion will suit him. Courtois will need to be at his commanding best against the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Esposito, who are a dangerous striking partnership.

In defense, with Militao and Mendy both out injured, the back four nearly selects itself. Denzel Dumfries should start at right back, with Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen forming the center back partnership. Marc Cucurella, who came off with cramp against Betis, trained on Monday and should be fit to return at left back. This is a makeshift backline but each player has the quality to handle Inter's attacking threat.

The midfield is where the real headache lies. Camavinga, Guler, and Bernardo Silva are all suspended. Tchouameni is a major doubt and Thiago Pitarch is sidelined. That leaves Mourinho remarkably short in the engine room. The most sensible solution is to deploy Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham as a double pivot, with Bellingham dropping deeper than he would ideally like. Brahim Diaz should operate in the advanced midfield role just behind the front three. Trent Alexander-Arnold could slot into midfield if needed, but Mourinho seems unlikely to move him from his natural position early in the campaign.

Upfront, the forward line picks itself. Vinicius Junior starts on the left, where he has been in typically bright form and remains the most dangerous player in the competition over the last five seasons. Kylian Mbappe leads the attack and will be desperate to make amends for that Betis miss. Yan Diomande or Brahim Diaz should support from the right, with Diomande potentially earning a first Bernabeu start in this fixture.

Endrick could feature from the bench if cleared, as Mourinho has already confirmed he is available for around 10 minutes. Alexander-Arnold, Tchouameni if fit, and Ceballos round out the bench options.

Inter, for their part, arrive with Federico Dimarco as their only notable absentee. Cristian Chivu has a near-full squad and will set up in a 3-5-2 with Barella and Zielinski controlling the midfield. This is a formidable machine and Real's depleted engine room will be under serious pressure.

As five substitutions are available, Mourinho should plan his bench moves carefully. If Real get an early goal, the natural instinct will be to consolidate, but pushing Endrick or Tchouameni in the second half could provide the spark to kill the game off.

The Probable Substitutions Will Be:

• Diomande > Espi
• Vinicius Jr > Endrick (late cameo if available)
• Bellingham > Alexander-Arnold (if tactical shift needed)
• Cucurella > Rudiger (if fitness concerns recur)
• Mbappe > Espi (if scoreline is comfortable)

So the formation would be 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 depending on the phase of the game.

Probable Starting XI

GK:

Courtois

Defence:

Dumfries Konate Huijsen Cucurella

Double Pivot:

Valverde Bellingham

Attack Support:

Diomande Brahim Diaz Vinicius Jr

Centre Forward:

Mbappe

Formation: 4-2-3-1