Real Madrid line up with Trent at right-back and Rodrygo awaiting his chance from the bench as Xabi Alonso rotates ahead of the international break. The Blancos arrive at Mallorca on matchday 3 of La Liga EA Sports with a perfect start in mind, aiming for nine points from nine after a standout defensive display and the prolific form of their attackers, especially Mbappé, who has already found the net three times.
Starting XI and key selections
– Goalkeeper: Courtois, no doubts who guards the net after a clean record and a crucial save in Oviedo.
– Right-back: Trent gets the start, stepping in for Carvajal. It’s another opportunity for the Englishman to show his level after returning from a serious injury.
– Left-back: Carreras continues as the starter on the opposite flank.
– Center-backs: Huijsen alongside Militao, with Rudiger starting on the bench as Alonso manages minutes and matching opponents.
– Midfield: Tchouameni, Valverde and Güler occupy the engine room, the trio trusted to drive the team’s control in the middle of the park. Bellingham’s return remains in the future plans, to be integrated as appropriate.
– Attack: Mbappé spearheads the attack, continuing his hot form with three goals in two games.
– Wingers: Mastantuono keeps his place on the right after strong showings against Osasuna and Oviedo, with Vinicius once again favored on the left. Rodrygo is left on the bench, a sign of competition for minutes on that flank.
Tactical context and what to expect
– Alonso is balancing minutes and rotation while keeping his strongest XI intact where it matters, particularly in midfield where Tchouameni, Valverde and Güler form the current collaborative core.
– The decision to keep Mastantuono in the starting role on the right and Vinicius on the left signals Madrid’s intent to maximize pace and link-up with Mbappé through central runs and wide support.
– The benching of Rudiger and the shift at left-back to Carreras point to a cautious rotation policy designed to preserve form across a busy schedule and maintain focus after a flawless defensive record.
Why this matters
– Real Madrid’s early-season form has been built on a compact defense and efficient finishing from their attackers. With the international break looming, Alonso wants a clean nine from nine, while testing depth and keeping key players fresh.
– Trent’s return to the starting lineup offers Madrid a different dynamic at full-back, potentially improving overlapping runs and width in the attack while maintaining defensive balance.
Summary and reader notes
Real Madrid travel to Mallorca with a lineup that emphasizes rotation and balance: Courtois in goal, Trent at right-back, Carreras on the left, Huijsen and Militao in central defense with Rudiger on the bench, a steady trio of Tchouameni-Valverde-Güler in midfield, Mbappé up front, Mastantuono on the right, Vinicius on the left, and Rodrygo on standby. The setup reflects Alonso’s plan to sustain momentum, reward performers, and manage minutes ahead of the next phase of the season.
If you’re following the match, keep an eye on how Trent adapts to his renewed starting role, how Mastantuono and Vinicius link with Mbappé, and whether Rodrygo’s late cameo could alter the game or hint at future rotation decisions. For updates and post-match analysis, stay tuned.