Real Madrid will begin the defence of their La Liga title tomorrow night when they take on RCD Mallorca away at Son Moix.
Having already made a winning start to the season by defeating Atalanta to lift the UEFA Super Cup earlier this week, Carlo Ancelotti & co. will be confident heading into Sunday night’s encounter in Palma.
But a hostile atmosphere awaits the reigning champions at Son Moix and they will have to find a way to emerge victorious.
Real Madrid go into the match without two important players in the form of David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom are out injured. Yet, Ancelotti has more than enough options at his disposal to make up for the absences.
Here’s how the reigning Spanish champions are likely to take the field as they begin their fight to retain their title starting against Mallorca.
Starters
Thibaut Courtois has not conceded a single goal in the six matches he has played since returning from his ACL injury. The Belgian international will continue as the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid.
There is not much scope for rotation for Ancelotti as far as the centre-back options go and as such, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, who is close to returning to his best, will form the centre-back pairing again.
Dani Carvajal, who is in high spirits after winning a trophy in each of the last four months with club and country, will continue at right-back while Ferland Mendy operates on the left.
Moving into the midfield, Ancelotti has a plethora of options to choose from but is unlikely to tinker with the three-man unit that started in the UEFA Super Cup clash earlier in the week.
As such, Aurelien Tchouameni ought to slot in as the deepest of the three midfielders for the champions while new No. 8 Federico Valverde and talisman Jude Bellingham occupy the remaining two positions.
Kylian Mbappe will make his La Liga debut on Sunday starting as the centre-forward for Real Madrid, although the Frenchman will have the freedom to move around and switch positions constantly in attack.
The 25-year-old superstar will be partnered by Vinicius Jr. on the left and Rodrygo Goes on the right side of the attacking trident.
Substitutes
Arda Guler will feel unlucky to not start after having impressed during pre-season. But the youngster is certain to get some minutes off the bench for Real Madrid. The same holds for Brahim Diaz who can be an option to further reinforce the attacking department if needed.
New first captain Luka Modric will also come on at some point in the second period and look to make a mark on proceedings.
Endrick, who has finally arrived at Real Madrid this summer, may get an opportunity to make his debut after going without minutes in the UEFA Super Cup.
Lucas Vazquez could step in for Dani Carvajal at some point given that the latter has only been back in training for a week or so.