Real Madrid have had a busy start to 2025, and they’re set to return to the Middle East for the second time in a matter of weeks as they compete in the Spanish Super Cup.
Madrid were victorious in Qatar before Christmas as they claimed a 3-0 win over Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final. They’re heading to Saudi Arabia on this occasion, with Mallorca their upcoming opponents on Thursday evening with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are no strangers to this competition and are 13-time winners. A 4-1 victory over Clasico rivals Barcelona in last year’s final also means they’re the current holders.
Los Blancos are facing Supercopa novices Mallorca in Jeddah, but the Islanders have proven to be stubborn opposition in La Liga this term.
This is how Madrid could line up in Jeddah.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Madrid’s number one has returned to his very best form in recent weeks, and he was offered respite on Monday with Andriy Lunin getting a start. He’ll be back between the sticks.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – The versatile veteran was absent last year as Madrid prevailed in this competition, but he’s crucially available in Dani Carvajal’s absence this time around.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – There could soon be a return to the matchday squad for long-time absentee David Alaba, but the Austrian won’t be in action over the next week. Tchouameni, as a result, will continue in Madrid’s defence.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Alaba’s imminent return means Rudiger’s set to enjoy yet another centre-back partner. The German has been a mainstay under Ancelotti.
LB: Ferland Mendy – While Mendy has penned a contract extension, a big six months beckon for the Frenchman with Madrid having to decide whether to push for Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
CM: Federico Valverde – The relentless Uruguayan opened the scoring in Madrid’s Copa del Rey victory over Minera on Monday, but he at least earned some respite with Ancelotti withdrawing him at half-time. He’s a shoo-in.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga was another rare goalscorer on Monday with the club’s lack of options in the middle of the park forcing him into a starting role. Dani Ceballos has impressed for Madrid this term, but Camavinga should start again.
RW: Rodrygo – It’s been a tough season for Rodrygo thus far, but he’ll be intent on building some momentum at the start of the new calendar year. He scored in last season’s final.
AM: Jude Bellingham – The Englishman went from zero to hero against Valencia in Madrid’s 2025 opener, socring a late winner. Bellingham didn’t feature in the Copa del Rey and will be fresh in Jeddah.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian is available on Thursday despite picking up a red card on his previous outing against Valencia. He’ll serve his suspension in La Liga. Vini was the hero during Madrid’s Supercopa final success over Barcelona last year, bagging a hat-trick.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe’s ready for his first appearance in this competition having scored in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup since joining. He’ll aim to thrust Madrid into the final.
