Mourinho hands Brahim Diaz attacking role as Real Madrid face Deportivo in pre-season

Jose Mourinho has named Brahim Diaz in Real Madrid’s starting line-up for their friendly against Deportivo de La Coruna at ABANCA-RIAZOR on Wednesday evening, with the match forming part of the club’s preparations for the 2026-27 season.

The Morocco international will lead the attack alongside Brazil forwards Vinicius Junior and Endrick as Mourinho continues to shape his side ahead of the new campaign.

Real Madrid’s line-up also features two of the club’s new signings, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva and Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries. Both have been selected to start against Deportivo in the pre-season fixture.

Andriy Lunin keeps his place in goal, while the defence consists of Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Dumfries.

Bernardo Silva starts in midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler. The attacking trio is completed by Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz and Endrick.

The full Real Madrid starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin

Defenders: Alvaro Carreras, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Denzel Dumfries

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz, Endrick

Mourinho is using the game at ABANCA-RIAZOR to continue his work with the squad and prepare Real Madrid to begin the new season in the strongest possible condition.

The club are aiming to make a better start to the 2026-27 campaign after failing to achieve their objectives during the previous season, both domestically and in European competition.

The inclusion of Silva and Dumfries gives the friendly an added focus, with the pair making prominent appearances in a line-up that also combines established first-team players with younger members of the squad.

Brahim Diaz’s selection in the front three is another central feature of Mourinho’s team. He will operate in attack with Vinicius Junior and Endrick, while Guler is included in the midfield behind them.

Real Madrid’s meeting with Deportivo is a preparation match rather than a competitive fixture, but Mourinho is treating the contest as an important opportunity to build rhythm and establish the team he wants to take into the new season.

The Portuguese manager is working intensively with his players as the club looks to respond to last season’s disappointments and begin the new campaign in improved form across domestic and European football.