Vinicius, Brahim start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Espanyol | OneFootball

Real Madrid are back in action later today as they host RCD Espanyol on Matchday 5 of the 2025/26 La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Currently sitting atop the league table, with 12 points from four games, Real Madrid will be eager to maintain their winning record.

Momentum remains on their side, following the 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week.

However, Espanyol will pose a tricky challenge for Xabi Alonso & co., considering that they are also unbeaten in La Liga this season, winning three and drawing one of their four matches.

As such, an interesting battle awaits today at the Santiago Bernabeu, one in which Alonso is expected to make some changes to the Real Madrid lineup that took the field against Marseille this week.

Endrick is back in the squad and could feature for the first time ever under Xabi Alonso while there is a chance that Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham might also get some minutes.

Defence

Dean Huijsen’s controversial suspension means Alonso will be forced into a change in defence, with Raul Asencio expected to replace him in the lineup today. He will partner Eder Militao at the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal will start at right-back in the injury-enforced absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

There could be a change on the left side as well, given that Alvaro Carreras has started each of the five games this season and could do with a rest. Fran Garcia would be the man replacing him.

A rare chance for Fran Garcia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois will man the goal for the Spanish capital giants.

Midfield

No changes are expected in the centre of the park for Real Madrid against Espanyol. Aurelien Tchouameni has been excellent this season, acting as the deepest of the three midfielders for Real Madrid.

The Frenchman will have Federico Valverde for support in the middle while Arda Guler will provide the creative influence and playmaking ability.

As mentioned earlier, Bellingham and Camavinga are likely to get some minutes at some point, so that they build some rhythm heading into next week’s derby against Atletico Madrid.

Attack

Alonso made a huge call last game, starting Rodrygo over Vinicius Jr. on the left flank. But the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up is likely to be reinstated to the team today, and he will be eager to prove a point with a strong performance.

As for the opposite flank, there could be a change, with Brahim Diaz getting the nod over young Franco Mastantuono, who will get minutes off the bench in case he does not start.

Up top, there is no doubt about Kylian Mbappe starting as the centre-forward, with the French superstar in fine form this season and recently scoring his 50th goal for Real Madrid.