Tchouameni, Mbappe start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Real Oviedo | OneFootball

Following their El Clasico defeat to FC Barcelona, Real Madrid are back in action tonight as they take on Real Oviedo back at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Given everything has happened since the last time they played at their home, Los Blancos are expected to in for a hostile reception from the fans at the Bernabeu.

After all, they lost to Barça at the Spotify Camp Nou, allowing their early coronation in La Liga, and not to forget the dressing room fight between Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde days before that.

It will be up to the player and manager Alvaro Arbeloa to put on a good show against Oviedo and ensure that they take a step towards finishing the season strongly, with only two more matches being left after tonight.

Leading up to the game, Real Madrid have been dealt with a fitness boost as Kylian Mbappe has resumed full training and is expected to be available. Dani Carvajal, too, has trained with the team, although his availability remains uncertain.

Andriy Lunin and Dean Huijsen, though, are likely to miss out along with Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, Arda Guler, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy.

With that being said, here’s how Arbeloa could set his team up against Real Oviedo in what could be his penultimate home game as Real Madrid manager.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois made his comeback from injury last weekend in the Clasico and is expected to start between the sticks against Real Oviedo tonight at the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been included in England’s pre-list for the World Cup, will continue at right-back, hoping to convince Thomas Tuchel to name him in the final squad for the tournament.

On the left, Arbeloa has showed a clear preference for Fran Garcia over Alvaro Carreras and that is unlikely to change tonight.

Rudiger and Asencio to continue at centre-back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio will form the centre-back pairing for Los Blancos, with David Alaba being an alternative off the bench.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni, fresh after being named in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2025/26, will continue operating at the base of the Real Madrid midfield unit.

The Frenchman will have his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga for support in the middle, with the 23-year-old hoping to make an impression on Didier Deschamps before the World Cup.

The third slot in the middle of the park will likely be taken up by Jude Bellingham, who has had a rather underwhelming campaign compared to his first two years at the club. Young midfielder Thiago Pitarch could minutes off the bench.

Attack

Meanwhile, in attack, Kylian Mbappe is expected to take up his place in the No. 9 position after having recovered from his fitness issues. With Real Madrid having looked toothless in attack in the Clasico, the Frenchman’s return will be a welcome boost.

On the left side, it will be Vinicius Jr., who will need to step up and find a way to work better with Mbappe for the team to succeed.

Finally, Brahim Diaz, who showed signs of spark in the defeat to Barcelona, will continue on the right flank for Los Blancos. Franco Mastantuono will be an option off the bench.