Mourinho’s Camavinga call underlines Real Madrid’s midfield confidence, says Roncero

Thomas Roncero says he was surprised by Real Madrid’s decision to leave Bernardo on the bench for Friday’s La Liga meeting with Athletic Bilbao, but believes the selection highlights Jose Mourinho’s confidence in Eduardo Camavinga.

Roncero, a well-known Real Madrid supporter, analyst on El Chiringuito and deputy editor of AS, was commenting on the team selected for the fourth round of the Spanish top flight.

“Bernardo’s place on the bench is surprising because he will be suspended on Tuesday. This decision strengthens Mourinho’s confidence in Camavinga,” Roncero said in comments reported by AS.

The decision means Camavinga starts in midfield, with Federico Valverde also included in the central area. Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are also named in the starting XI, while Kylian Mbappe leads the attack.

Roncero said Real Madrid still possess a formidable attacking combination despite the change involving Bernardo.

“In any case, the golden trio remain together with Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Alongside the magician Guler, Madrid should beat Betis and continue their winning run,” he added.

His reference to Betis came as Real Madrid prepared to face Athletic Bilbao in Friday’s league fixture. The comments focused on the make-up of the starting side and the implications of Bernardo’s omission from the midfield.

Roncero also highlighted what he regarded as the team’s intended first-choice defence for the current campaign. Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella were selected across the back line, with Thibaut Courtois in goal.

“Incidentally, the defence I believe will be the team’s first choice this season is playing. It consists of Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen and Cucurella. With this team, victory must be achieved,” Roncero said.

Real Madrid’s starting line-up for the match was:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior

Forward: Kylian Mbappe

The selection gives Camavinga an opportunity to establish himself in the centre of midfield while Bernardo begins the match among the substitutes. Roncero’s assessment suggests that the decision is not simply a response to squad availability, but also a sign that Mourinho is prepared to place his trust in the France international.

The attacking structure remains built around Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, with Guler offering an additional creative presence. Behind them, Real Madrid are fielding the defensive unit Roncero expects to see regularly during the season.

The result against Athletic Bilbao will therefore provide the immediate test of a line-up that Roncero believes should be strong enough to maintain Real Madrid’s winning run. Fans can discuss the subject and other news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.