Real Madrid take on Mallorca to kick start their 2024/25 La Liga campaign, with one of the most balanced – and feared – squads in Europe.
Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba remain the obvious absentees in the squad named for this fixture.
No changes are expected to be made to the side which took the field against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Mallorca:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Following an exceptional pre-season and UEFA Super Cup – where he made a few outstanding saves – the Belgian would be eager to replicate similar performances in the league this season because he will have competition in his position in the form of Andriy Lunin.
RB: Dani Carvajal
Perhaps one of the greatest seasons a right-back could have, the Spaniard begins the new season with same aspirations – to win trophies at the biggest club in the world. Yet again, the only backup for his position would be Lucas Vazquez since even Nacho, who sometimes used to fill in that position, has left.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German will be a mainstay in Real Madrid’s defence this season for sure, with Ancelotti having just a few youngsters from Castilla as his backup. Yet again, the 31-year old will look to show the world why he is regarded as the one of the best in this position.
CB: Éder Militão
This will be the Brazilian’s first full fledged season since the horrific injury last year. Based on the pre-season and Super Cup, he does not seem to have any injury issues and would hope to get back to his best form this campaign.
LB: Ferland Mendy
One of the most underrated players of this squad, the Frenchman is expected to retain his starting place in this position for most part of the season unless Fran García puts in some extraordinary performances.
CM: Federico Valverde
The Uruguayan has been an integral part of the squad for the last few seasons. His importance is proven by the fact that he was the player with the most appearances for the club last season. Ancelotti believes in Fede, as he has been named the 4th captain of the squad. This puts extra responsibility on his shoulders, but he surely would not mind it too much.
CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni
This Frenchman was sloppy in the initial minutes against Atalanta but then went on to hold his ground nicely and made some good interceptions. A defensive midfielder is perhaps the most important position in the any squad in Europe right now and the 24-year old would be eager to show why he deserves to wear this prestigious jersey.
CM: Jude Bellingham
He has played as a number 8 and number 6 at Borussia Dortmund but his performance against Atalanta was simply one of the best by a midfielder in recent times. The boy from Stourbridge was all over the pitch and this performances would definitely have amped up the expectations of Real Madrid fans for the coming season.
RW: Rodrygo
The Brazilian may seem to be the most easily replaceable player in the squad but his technicality and intelligence is what sets him apart from other players. Despite not being involved in goals, the youngster plays an important role in the buildup. Rodrygo would however, look to change that and have some goals and assists to his name too this season.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
Every Madridista’s dream signing got off to a dream start as he netted a goal and won a title on his debut. The world knows what the Frenchman is capable of and there is nothing better than putting in performances week in week out in a Real Madrid jersey.
LW: Vinícius Júnior
If it was Jude and Vini last season, it is Mbappe and Vini who form perhaps the deadliest duo in Europe this season. They switched places intelligently in the game and fans around the world would be eager to see more of this duo. After all, we know the havoc this Brazilian is capable of wrecking.
