Mourinho names strong Real Madrid line-up for Valencia clash

Jose Mourinho has named his Real Madrid starting line-up for Saturday evening’s La Liga meeting with Valencia at Mestalla, with his side targeting an eighth consecutive victory as they continue their pursuit of top spot.

Vinicius Junior remains unavailable as he completes his suspension, while Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande comes into the team in his place. Mourinho has also made changes in both defence and midfield.

The Real Madrid line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois.

Defenders: Fede Valverde, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella.

Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande.

Forward: Kylian Mbappe.

Spanish website Defensa Central reported Mourinho’s selections for the match.

Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen return to form the central defensive partnership, with Valverde operating at right-back and Cucurella on the left. Tchouameni is also restored to the midfield after being rested for the match against AEK Athens, and will line up alongside Bernardo Silva.

Mourinho will look to Mbappe to maintain his scoring form. The France captain has scored in each of Real Madrid’s past six matches.

Diomande has impressed in recent weeks and starts alongside the attacking players, while Bellingham will be given the creative role behind Mbappe. The England international produced a notable display in Real Madrid’s most recent match in Greece, where he scored an excellent backheel goal.

Real Madrid have scored 21 goals in their past seven matches and go into the game with confidence after two significant victories. They beat Barcelona 2-1 before recording a 3-0 win against Racing Santander.

The club are aiming to extend that run before the international break.

Valencia are 19th in the table with nine points, although they secured their first victory under new manager Javier Aguirre in their previous league match by beating Elche 1-0.

Mexican Aguirre took charge on 23 September, replacing Carlos Corberan.

The fixture is listed for 21 November 2026, while the schedule also includes Valencia against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey at Tavernes de la Valldigna on 10 November 2026 and Celta Vigo against Real Madrid in La Liga.