Mbappe Set to Ignite El Clasico as Real Madrid Unveils Star-Studded Lineup Against Barcelona
Real Madrid are preparing to contest their inaugural final under manager Xabi Alonso this Sunday as they face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup decider.
The 15-time European titleholders appear to have overcome their disappointing spell, accumulating five consecutive victories to silence critics surrounding Alonso and his squad. Their latest success occurred in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where they overcame city rivals Atlético Madrid 2–1 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
However, this victory represents merely Real Madrid's initial step towards trophy success, with the greater challenge arriving just three days later against the current Spanish Super Cup holders. Barcelona will be determined to retain their title while seeking retribution for their 2–1 Clásico loss in October.
In contrast to that captivating encounter at the Bernabéu, Alonso will be missing the injured Éder Militão, whilst Antonio Rüdiger, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio all undergo final fitness assessments. Focus will center on Kylian Mbappé, who remains in consideration to start after rejoining the squad on Friday despite managing a knee problem.
Here's how Real Madrid might field their team against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper will face a demanding afternoon against a Barcelona offensive unit that has netted nine times in their previous three fixtures.
RB: Federico Valverde—Following his remarkable display against Atlético Madrid, Valverde returns to the right wing position, where he must excel to neutralize Raphinha's threat.
CB: Raúl Asencio—Despite fitness concerns, indications suggest the Spanish defender will start on Sunday. Asencio represents one of the few players absent from the season's opening Clásico.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Should Rüdiger be unable to overcome his deteriorating knee complaint, Huijsen is expected to partner Asencio. Facing Barcelona in his debut appearance of the campaign will prove a significant challenge for the young defender.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Carreras will hope to replicate his October display, when he delivered an exceptional performance against Lamine Yamal.
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Tchouaméni endured supporter criticism for his poor showing against Barcelona in the 2024–25 Spanish Super Cup final. Twelve months on, the opportunity for redemption awaits.
DM: Eduardo Camavinga—The French midfielder is poised to earn his third straight start, a sequence he last achieved in April 2025 under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance.
RW: Rodrygo—Real Madrid's current five-match winning run and Super Cup final appearance would likely be impossible without Rodrygo's resurgence. The Brazilian winger has contributed six goals and assists across his last five starting appearances.
AM: Jude Bellingham—Based on recent performances, no Real Madrid player excels against Barcelona quite like Bellingham. The English midfielder scored the decisive goal in October's Clásico encounter.
LW: Vinicius Junior—Enduring a 15-match scoring drought, stalled contract discussions and harsh criticism from supporters, Vinicius Jr will be eager to deliver a spectacular moment against the Catalan giants.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Uncertainty surrounds the availability of the club's top scorer, but his swift journey to Jeddah and encouraging reports from Alonso suggest Mbappé could feature in the starting eleven on Sunday, despite not being fully recovered.
