Real Madrid Name Squad for Valencia Clash as Mourinho Targets LaLiga’s Top Spot
Real Madrid have announced their squad for Saturday’s LaLiga meeting with Valencia, with Jose Mourinho’s side aiming to strengthen their position in the title race. The fixture offers Madrid a chance to close the gap on the league leaders, while struggling Valencia arrive under pressure to collect points and move away from the relegation zone.
Madrid sit third in the table with 27 points after 11 rounds. Valencia are 19th, having earned only nine points, and need a strong result to improve their prospects near the bottom of the standings. Although the league positions make Madrid clear favourites on paper, the meeting carries plenty of significance for both clubs.
Four notable absences from Madrid’s squad
Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior are missing from Mourinho’s selection. Their absence removes several options from Madrid’s defensive and attacking rotations, making the depth of the available squad an important factor ahead of the match.
Vinicius and Rodrygo have often provided Madrid with pace and direct running in the final third, so their unavailability could influence how the team builds its attacks. Kylian Mbappe is included, however, giving Madrid a major goal threat, while Brahim Diaz and Endrick offer further choices in forward areas. The selected group also contains a blend of established internationals and younger players who may be looking to make an impression.
Full Real Madrid squad for Valencia
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Mestre.
Defenders: Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Alvaro Carreras, Antonio Rudiger, Denzel Dumfries.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva, Thiago.
Forwards: Endrick, Kylian Mbappe, Espi, Brahim Diaz, Yan Diomande.
Midfield depth could shape the contest
Madrid’s midfield selection gives Mourinho several ways to approach the game. Jude Bellingham can contribute between the lines and arrive in scoring positions, while Federico Valverde offers energy and forward movement. Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni provide options for protecting the defence and controlling the central areas.
Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva add creativity and close control, potentially helping Madrid unlock a Valencia side expected to defend in numbers. If the visitors sit deep, quick circulation and well-timed runs could be essential. Madrid will also need to guard against counterattacks, particularly if their full-backs push high to support the attack.
Valencia face a demanding test
Valencia’s position in 19th underlines the importance of the fixture, but a difficult league campaign does not make them a team Madrid can afford to underestimate. A disciplined defensive shape, strong work rate and efficient use of possession could give the visitors a route into the game. Set pieces may also provide an opportunity to trouble Madrid, especially if Valencia can win free kicks and corners in dangerous areas.
For the home side, the challenge will be to resist Madrid’s pressure without becoming too passive. Valencia will need to limit space around Mbappe and Bellingham, while making the most of any transitions they create. An early goal could change the atmosphere and force Madrid to take greater risks, but conceding first would make an already difficult task considerably harder.
Prediction: Madrid start as favourites
The league table, squad quality and attacking options all point towards Real Madrid entering the match as favourites. Their midfield depth should help them control possession, and Mbappe gives them a proven threat even with Vinicius and Rodrygo unavailable. Valencia’s urgency could make the contest competitive, particularly if they defend compactly and stay organised.
A reasonable football prediction is a Madrid victory, though the result may depend on how quickly Mourinho’s side finds a way through Valencia’s defensive block. If Madrid score early, the match could open up and create further chances. If Valencia hold firm, patience and precision will be required from the visitors. Either way, three points would be valuable for Madrid as they pursue the top spot, while Valencia need a positive result to begin climbing away from danger.
