Jose Mourinho is planning to make very few changes to his Real Madrid starting line-up against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Despite an El Clasico looming in less than four days’ time, Mourinho is fixated on doing well in the game against the Bundesliga club.
According to Diario AS, the Portuguese manager wants to maintain Madrid’s perfect Champions League record rather than rest several key players.
However, some tactical adjustments, particularly involving Fede Valverde and Arda Guler, could be on the cards.
Mourinho prioritises Leipzig over El Clasico
Thibaut Courtois is unsurprisingly expected to retain his place in goal. Denzel Dumfries could return at right-back after being benched against Sevilla.
Ibrahima Konate and Antonio Rudiger are expected to form the defensive partnership, with Marc Cucurella completing the back four.
Denzel Dumfries could return to the starting XI against RB Leipzig. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
In midfield, Arda Guler is expected to continue alongside Aurelien Tchouameni following his impressive performance in a deeper role.
The Turkey international has emerged as an important figure in Madrid’s build-up. He has offered creativity and control from central areas.
Valverde, rather interestingly, could move from right-back to the right flank, in what could be a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Clasico.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are expected to start, with Vinicius Junior replacing Yan Diomande on the left flank.
The Brazilian’s domestic suspension may have ruled him out of the Clasico, but Mourinho has already confirmed that he would start against Leipzig.
A calculated gamble ahead of Barcelona
Mourinho’s reluctance to rotate heavily shows how much importance he has placed on the Champions League.
However, the decision is not without its risks. With Barcelona waiting just four days later, Mourinho runs the risk of having tired and leggy players at the Camp Nou.
Federico Valverde could start on the right wing against Leipzig. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Valverde’s move into the attack is an interesting solution, allowing Madrid to make better use of his energy than if he were to play as a right-back.
Similarly, Guler continuing in deeper midfield is a clear sign that Mourinho could look to repeat the same against Barcelona.
The expected defensive changes also provide an opportunity to assess different combinations before the Clasico.
Madrid’s depth means Mourinho can always look to manage minutes if his team have taken a comfortable lead by the second half.
Barcelona may be looming large on the horizon, but Mourinho is right to put the focus on the present.
The challenge for the manager is to ensure his team emerges from the Leipzig fixture with both the result and the freshness needed for Sunday.