Real Madrid predicted starting XI against Malaga | La Liga

Real Madrid are playing their third match in eight days against Malaga on Sunday, so it would be no surprise if changed were made to the starting line-up. The same 11 players were selected by Mourinho for the wins over Espanyol and Real Sociedad, so it would be unlikely if it was three in a row at the Bernabeu.

However, there could be few changes, especially as Mourinho has shown a willingness to ease certain players into the mix at the start of the season. Marc Cucurella is one of those following his late arrival in pre-season due to being involved with Spain at the 2026 World Cup, but according to Diario AS, he will be included in the line-up to face Malaga.

Cucurella has replaced Alvaro Carreras in each of Real Madrid’s first two matches, but he should be thrust into the starting line-up on Sunday. However, he is due to be the only change from the midweek victory over Real Sociedad, as Mourinho looks set to avoid making too many alterations early in his second spell as head coach.

Can Mbappe and Bellingham continue their form?

Thibaut Courtois would remain in goals, with Denzel Dumfries still preferred to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have developed a good partnership in the centre of defence, with Cucurella coming into the side on the left. In midfield, captain Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva are due to be paired again, with Jude Bellingham playing slightly ahead of them. In attack, Arda Guler is to be on the right, Vinicius Junior and on the left and Kylian Mbappe through the middle.

Real Madrid will be looking to Bellingham and Mbappe to continue their excellent starts to the season, with four goals and two assists between them in the opening two fixtures. Both players will fancy their chances of adding to their collections on Sunday in a match that should be relatively comfortable – if they approach it right.