Real Madrid have had a busy start to 2025 and will return to the Middle East for the second time in a matter of weeks as part of the Spanish Super Cup.
Madrid won in Qatar before Christmas, beating Pachuca 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final. This time they travel to Saudi Arabia, with Mallorca their next opponent on Thursday evening and a place in Sunday’s final at stake.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is no stranger to this competition and has already won 13 times. A 4-1 win over Clasico rivals Barcelona in last year’s final also means they are the current defending champions.
Los Blancos face Supercopa newcomers Mallorca in Jeddah, but the Islanders have proven to be stubborn opponents in La Liga this season.
This is how Madrid could play in Jeddah.
TW: Thibaut Courtois – Madrid’s number one has returned to his best form in recent weeks and was given a rest on Monday with Andriy Lunin in the starting line-up. He will be between the posts again.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – The versatile veteran was missing last year when Madrid won the competition, but this time he is crucial in the absence of Dani Carvajal.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – David Alaba, who has been absent for a long time, could soon return to the matchday squad, although the Austrian will not be in action next week. Tchouameni will therefore remain in Madrid’s defence.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – Alaba’s impending return means Rüdiger can count on another centre-back partner. The German was a mainstay under Ancelotti.
LB: Ferland Mendy – While Mendy has signed a contract extension, the Frenchman faces a big six months ahead as Madrid must decide whether to pursue Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich.
CM: Federico Valverde – The tireless Uruguayan opened the scoring in Monday’s Copa del Rey win over Minera, but he at least earned a reprieve when Ancelotti took him off at half-time. He’s a madman.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga was another rare goalscorer on Monday as the club lacked options in the middle of the park forcing him into the starting XI. Dani Ceballos has impressed for Madrid this season, but Camavinga should be back in the starting XI.
RW: Rodrygo – It’s been a tough season for Rodrygo so far, but he will be keen to build some momentum as the new calendar year begins. He scored a goal in last season’s final.
AM: Jude Bellingham – The Englishman went from clean sheet to heroic in Madrid’s opening game against Valencia in 2025, scoring the late winner. Bellingham did not play in the Copa del Rey and will be fresh in Jeddah.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian will be available on Thursday despite picking up a red card in his last appearance against Valencia. He will serve his ban in La Liga. Vini was the hero in Madrid’s Supercopa final win over Barcelona last year, scoring a hat-trick.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappé is ready for his first appearance in the competition, having scored in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup since joining. His goal is to catapult Madrid into the final.