Guler, Bernardo start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid are back in action in La Liga tonight as they take on Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu as part of Matchday 5.

Having won their first three league games of the 2026/27 season under new manager Jose Mourinho, Los Blancos fell to their first defeat last weekend, losing 1-0 away to Real Betis.

It has allowed arch-rivals FC Barcelona pull away and open up a three-point lead at the top of the table.

While these are still early days in the campaign, Real Madrid know they cannot afford any more slip-ups, especially considering the red-hot form the Blaugrana are in.

Mourinho’s men did bounce back to winning ways after last week’s defeat, beating Inter Milan 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, although the performance was not entirely convincing.

As they take the field once more tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid will hope to deliver a strong performance and gather all three points and keep up the pace with the league leaders.

Mourinho has been boosted by the return of five players in Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Raul Asencio, and Andriy Lunin, who missed the midweek European encounter.

Here’s how the Portuguese tactician is likely to set his team up tonight against Rayo Vallecano.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois was the star of the show for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, making some splendid saves. He will once again hold the key for the hosts as they look for only their second clean sheet of the season.

In defence, changes are unlikely, with Mourinho clearly establishing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen as his preferred partnership at centre-back, meaning Antonio Rudiger is set to miss out again.

Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella, both of whom have made solid starts to life at the Bernabeu, ought to continue in the full-back positions.

Midfield

Given the absences of some key players, Mourinho was forced to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in the double pivot against Inter Milan – an experiment that was far from convincing.

Set to start in midfield. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Now, with the Real Madrid manager recovering his options in midfield, it is expected that summer signing Bernardo Silva starts alongside captain Federico Valverde in the centre of the park.

Eduardo Camavinga, who is also back after serving a suspension, will be an option from the bench, along with Aurelien Tchouameni, who is being eased back slowly after his return from injury.

Jude Bellingham has been one of Real Madrid’s best players in the early parts of the season and will continue in his preferred attacking midfield position against Rayo Vallecano tonight.

Attack

Brahim Diaz got the nod against Inter Milan and gave a good account of himself. However, with Arda Guler back and available after missing the midweek game, the Turkish international should reclaim his spot on the right flank.

On the left wing, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, but will need to step up and deliver amid growing pressure and frustration within the fans, who booed him at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Finally, Kylian Mbappe, who has been in the news for his candid interview, will spearhead the Real Madrid attack.

Summer signing Yan Diomande will once again have to make do with minutes off the bench.