Alonso's Vinicius Dilemma: Real Madrid's Crucial Lineup Choice Against Levante
Prior to focusing on the Madrid derby, Real Madrid must first face Levante at the Estadi Ciutat de València.
Real Madrid maintained their flawless beginning to the 2025–26 season over the weekend, claiming a convincing 2–0 triumph against Espanyol to achieve six victories from six fixtures across all tournaments. Xabi Alonso's team continues to be the sole La Liga club without dropping any points this campaign.
Los Blancos' upcoming challenge involves a Levante squad that has managed only one victory since returning to Spain's premier division. The matchup appears heavily weighted toward Real Madrid on paper, even should Alonso choose to rotate his starting eleven ahead of Saturday's encounter with Atlético Madrid.
Following the comebacks of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain the only players unavailable through injury. Dean Huijsen has also returned to contention after completing his one-game suspension.
Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Levante on Sept. 23.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Espanyol (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois and Real Madrid have maintained their record of not conceding from open play in La Liga.
RB: Dani Carvajal—The fullback is set to make his 435th appearance in the famous white jersey on Tuesday night.
CB: Éder Militão—Militão has returned to peak performance despite enduring two ACL injuries in consecutive years. The defender even netted a superb decisive goal in the previous match.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The 20-year-old rejoins Alonso's starting lineup following his one-match ban over the weekend.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The ex-Benfica talent has been flawless since joining the Spanish capital club. However, don't be shocked if Fran García receives the starting role to provide Carreras with deserved rest before the Madrid derby.
DM: Federico Valverde—Valverde recorded his second assist of the campaign on Saturday, although the Uruguayan midfielder is still seeking his inaugural goal in 2025–26.
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The French midfielder has featured in all but one minute of Los Blancos' 2025–26 season. Dani Ceballos could provide him with a brief break, but Tchouaméni has rapidly established himself as essential in Alonso's plans.
AM: Arda Güler—Everything suggests Güler will reclaim his place in Alonso's starting eleven. The Turkish playmaker will aim to make an impact with Bellingham waiting in the wings.
RW: Brahim Díaz—Based on Alonso's early rotation strategy, the Moroccan winger should return to Real Madrid's lineup after limited playing time against Espanyol and Marseille.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé has scored nine goals in his previous eight appearances for club and nation. The French striker tops the scoring charts for both Real Madrid and La Liga.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—It would be unfair for Alonso to exclude the Brazilian following his outstanding second-half display at the weekend, though Vinícius Júnior continues competing with Rodrygo for the starting position.
