Carvajal, Alaba start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Athletic Club | OneFootball

It has not been the season Real Madrid dreamed of, but the club now has one final opportunity to leave a better impression before attention fully turns towards a new era under Jose Mourinho.

Saturday night’s clash against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu will officially bring the curtain down on a frustrating 2025/26 campaign for Los Blancos. 

After finishing behind fierce rivals Barcelona in the league standings and ending the season without silverware, change now appears inevitable within the Spanish capital.

Furthermore, the match will also mark the end of Alvaro Arbeloa’s short spell in charge. 

The former defender is set to step aside immediately after the game, with Mourinho widely tipped to complete a sensational return to Madrid next week.

Even though there is little left to play for competitively, emotions are expected to run high at the Bernabeu due to several farewell moments planned before and after kickoff.

Defence

Carvajal will play his final game for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Much of the spotlight is expected to fall on Dani Carvajal, who is preparing to make his final appearance for Real Madrid. 

The experienced right-back is expected to start one last time in front of the home fans before bringing an unforgettable chapter to an end.

Another emotional goodbye could arrive for David Alaba. The Austrian defender’s contract situation had been discussed for months, and the club confirmed this week that his deal will not be extended beyond the summer.

Furthermore, Thibaut Courtois is likely to continue in goal as he builds rhythm after his recent return from injury problems. 

Alongside Alaba in central defence, youngster Raul Asencio could once again receive an opportunity to impress. 

On the left side, Fran Garcia is expected to get the nod ahead of Alvaro Carreras.

Midfield

Valverde will return to the starting XI. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The midfield selection may attract even more attention because of the return of Federico Valverde. 

The Uruguayan has not featured since his controversial altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, an incident that resulted in a major €500,000 fine from the club.

Tchouameni himself is unlikely to be involved due to ongoing shin discomfort, which could allow Eduardo Camavinga to step into the lineup. 

Lastly, out wide, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham are both expected to feature prominently.

Attack

Gonzalo Garcia will replace Vinicius, who has returned to Brazil. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Up front, the pressure will once again fall on Kylian Mbappe. 

Despite Real Madrid’s disappointing campaign overall, the French superstar still has a major personal objective within reach as he looks to finish the season as La Liga’s top scorer.

Mbappe enters the final game with a narrow lead in the Pichichi race and will likely remain the focal point of Madrid’s attack alongside Gonzalo Garcia, whose future at the club remains uncertain heading into the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, it must be remembered that Vinicius Jr. will not be available after receiving permission from the club to travel to Brazil early for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.