- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 28 Sep, 2025
Squad breakdown for the Madrid derby
Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso released his team sheet for the Round 7 LaLiga clash against city rivals Atlético Madrid. The match, set for the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, is the first true test of Alonso’s unbeaten run at the helm.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is back in the net, offering the kind of safety Madrid has missed while he was on the bench. In defence, the back four reads Carvajal at right‑back, Militão and Dean Huijsen forming the central partnership, with Álvaro Carreras covering left‑back duties after Ferland Mendy’s fitness woes forced him out.
The midfield engine is anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, who provides the shield in front of the defence, while Federico Valverde pushes forward with his trademark energy. Ahead of the striker, Alonso has opted for a fluid attacking trio – Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior – supporting Kylian Mbappé, who tops the LaLiga scoring chart with seven goals.
Injuries have shaped the selection. German centre‑back Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined with a lingering issue, and English newcomer Trent Alexander‑Arnold will miss his expected debut after a muscle strain. Their absences give Carreras a chance to prove he can handle the demands of a high‑profile derby.
Why the lineup matters and what’s at stake
Alonso’s choices reflect a blend of experience and fresh talent. Güler, only 19, brings a different creative spark, while Bellingham and Vinícius offer proven goalscoring threats. This mix shows Alonso is not just trying to ride the current form but also planting seeds for the season’s second half.
Los Blancos have been lethal in attack, netting 12 goals in the last five fixtures and keeping a perfect record in the league under Alonso. Yet Atlético Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, have the best defensive numbers in the competition – three clean sheets and a reputation for grinding out results.
The tactical duel promises fireworks. Simeone’s side will likely sit deep, looking to exploit any gaps left by Carreras on the flank and test Courtois with set‑piece pressure. Alonso, on the other hand, appears set to press high, using the speed of Mbappé and the movement of Bellingham to force the Atletico back line into mistakes.
Key battles to watch include the midfield showdown between Tchouaméni and Simeone’s midfield anchor, as well as the duel for space on the right wing where Carvajal’s overlapping runs could challenge Atlético’s right‑back. The left side may become a testing ground for Carreras, who will need to balance defensive duties with supporting Güler’s drives.Off the pitch, the fixture carries extra weight. A win would extend Real’s unbeaten streak and cement Alonso’s early credibility, while a slip could give Simeone’s men confidence to close the gap at the top of the table. Referee Javier Alberola Rojas will have his hands full, as the stakes are high and the atmosphere in the stadium is expected to be electric.
Fans from both sides are already gearing up for a showdown that could shape the narrative of the 2024‑25 LaLiga season. With Mbappé poised to add to his goal tally and young talents like Güler itching for a breakout, the stage is set for a match that could deliver drama, goals, and a glimpse of how Alonso’s Real Madrid will evolve.