Real Madrid have had a busy start to 2025 and are set to return to the Middle East for the second time in as many weeks as they compete in the Spanish Super Cup.
Madrid beat Pachuca 3-0 in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar before Christmas. On this occasion they travel to Saudi Arabia, with Mallorca their next opponent on Thursday night with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is no stranger to this competition and has won 13 times. 4-1 victory over rivals in Clasico Barcelona in last year’s final also means they are the current holders.
Los Blancos face Super Cup newcomers Mallorca in Jeddah, but the Islanders have proved to be a tough opponent in La Liga this term.
Here’s how Madrid could line up in Jeddah.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Madrid’s number one has returned to his best form in recent weeks and was offered a break on Monday with Andriy Lunin starting. He’ll be back between the sticks.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – The versatile veteran was absent last year when Madrid prevailed in this competition, but is crucially available this time around in Dani Carvajal’s absence.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – The return of long-term absentee David Alaba to the matchday squad could soon happen, but the Austrian will not be in action next week. Tchouameni will continue like this in the defense of Madrid.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Alaba’s imminent return means Rudiger will enjoy another centre-back partner. The German was a mainstay under Ancelotti.
LB: Ferland Mendy – While Mendy has extended his contract, the Frenchman faces a big six months as Madrid must decide whether to pry Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich.
CM: Federico Valverde – The relentless Uruguayan opened the scoring in Madrid’s Copa del Rey win over Minerva on Monday, but at least he earned a breather as Ancelotti pulled him off at half-time. He’s a shoo-in.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga was another rare goalscorer on Monday with the club’s lack of options in the middle of the park forcing him to become a starter. Dani Ceballos has impressed for Madrid this season, but Camavinga should start again.
RW: Rodrygo – It has been a difficult season for Rodrygo so far, but he will be looking to build on the momentum at the start of the new calendar year. He scored in the final last season.
AM: Jude Bellingham – The Englishman came from zero to heroics against Valencia in the Madrid 2025 opener, netting a late winner. Bellingham did not play in the King’s Cup and will be fresh in Jeddah.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian is available on Thursday despite receiving a red card in his previous match against Valencia. He will serve his suspension in La Liga. Vini was the hero during Madrid’s Supercopa final success over Barcelona last year, scoring a hat-trick.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe is set to make his first appearance in the competition after scoring in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup since joining. They will aim to bring Madrid to the final.
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