Real Madrid Set to Unleash Their Firepower Against Malaga in La Liga Showdown

José Mourinho's second home debut at the Bernabéu got off to a flying start as Real Madrid maintained their flawless beginning to the 2026–27 campaign with a commanding 4–1 victory over Real Sociedad in midweek.

The boss was full of praise for Kylian Mbappé, who dismantled La Real with a characteristically clinical hat-trick, while the overall team display was a significant improvement on the nervy season-opening away victory against Espanyol just days earlier.

This Sunday at the Bernabéu, newly promoted Málaga come to town, having collected just one point from their first two games and without a victory over Madrid since 2012.

As Mourinho works to bed in his new arrivals and find his best combination, here's a look at how Real Madrid could set up for this La Liga encounter against their Andalusian opponents.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Málaga

GK: Thibaut Courtois—Madrid's first-choice keeper is yet to record a clean sheet this term. Defensive concerns persist around this squad, though none of them are directed at the goalkeeper.

RB: Denzel Dumfries—Mourinho has opted for new recruit Dumfries ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in both matches so far. In home fixtures where Madrid are expected to control proceedings, his powerful attacking style proves a significant weapon.

CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Antonio Rüdiger has yet to make an appearance this season, with new arrival Konaté appearing to be the manager's first choice at centre-back.

CB: Dean Huijsen—Despite missing Spain's World Cup glory, the 21-year-old Huijsen has hit the ground running, demonstrating his composed distribution and combative qualities in both the Espanyol and Real Sociedad fixtures.

LB: Marc Cucurella—The new left-back has been limited to substitute roles thus far, likely due in part to a shortened preseason following his World Cup exploits. He looks set to displace Álvaro Carreras in the starting XI before long.

CM: Federico Valverde—The newly appointed captain plays a vital role in midfield in a deeper position, particularly with the more defensively oriented Aurélien Tchouaméni still sidelined through injury.

CM: Bernardo Silva—The 32-year-old veteran winner has had a quiet introduction to life at Madrid, but Mourinho considers his experience and adaptability to be priceless qualities.

RW: Arda Güler—One of the more intriguing storylines of the early weeks has been Güler's repositioning to the right wing, pushing record signing Yan Diomande to the bench. The Turkish international's tendency to drift infield and unsettle defenders complements Dumfries's overlapping runs on the right flank.

AM: Jude Bellingham—Already on the scoresheet this season with a goal on opening day, followed by a brace of assists against La Real, Bellingham will be central to Mourinho's plans within his 4-2-3-1 setup.

LW: Vinícius Jr—Mourinho has spoken out about opponents "bullying" his Brazilian wide man through persistent fouling. After being brought down a staggering eight times against Espanyol, Vinícius was on the receiving end of just two fouls in the win over Real Sociedad.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—Now standing at 89 goals for the club in just 105 outings after netting the first La Liga hat-trick of the season.