Madrid’s derby arrives at the Metropolitano at 16:15 with José Mourinho keeping faith in a largely familiar Real Madrid side, making only two changes from the team that faced Elche in the previous round. The main decisions came through the middle and down the right, where the visitors have chosen control and craft for one of the capital’s most demanding afternoons.
Aurélien Tchouaméni returns beside Federico Valverde in the double pivot after Bernardo Silva had filled that role during the Frenchman’s injury absence. Further forward, Arda Güler has been selected on the right of an attacking line also featuring Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, with Kylian Mbappé leading the attack. The choice leaves Diomande among the substitutes despite his strong display against Elche.
Behind them, Mourinho has named his expected first-choice defensive unit. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal, with Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella at full-back and Ibrahima Konaté partnering Dean Huijsen in central defence.
Real Madrid begin the cross-city meeting with Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; and Mbappé.
