Real Madrid reshuffle ahead of Leipzig as Valverde fills in at right-back

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has made five changes to his starting line-up for Wednesday evening’s Champions League league-phase meeting with RB Leipzig at Santiago Bernabeu.

Fede Valverde will again operate at right-back, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries remain out of Mourinho’s plans for the match. The Uruguay international has previously said he does not want to play in that position, preferring a role in midfield.

Bernardo Silva returns to the starting XI after being left out by Mourinho earlier in the season. His inclusion is one of five changes from the side that began the previous match against Sevilla.

Vinicius Junior also comes back into the attack after missing the Sevilla game through suspension. His ban continues into the Clasico, meaning he will not be available for Sunday’s meeting with Barcelona.

Mourinho has chosen to rest Marc Cucurella ahead of the Clasico, with Alvaro Carreras selected at left-back instead.

Real Madrid are aiming to maintain a perfect record after winning their opening two league-phase fixtures against Roma and Inter Milan. Wednesday’s match is their final game before the club’s trip to face Barcelona on Sunday.

Real Madrid starting XI

Thibaut Courtois starts in goal, with Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and Carreras forming the defensive line.

Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Jude Bellingham are named in midfield, while Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe lead the attack.

Real Madrid confirmed the team on 21 October 2026 with the following line-up:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Fede Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe