Real Madrid sit atop La Liga with a perfect 15 points from 15 and will look to extend their streak this Tuesday at the Ciutat de València against Levante, a newly promoted side with a reputation for making life difficult for Los Blancos on Granota soil. Xabi Alonso, however, already has one eye on the demanding fixtures to come: Saturday’s derby at the Metropolitano, followed by a trip to Almaty the following Tuesday to face Kairat—almost 6,500 kilometers away.
For that reason, Xabi is expected to continue with light rotations, refreshing the squad without sacrificing competitiveness. The goal is clear: arrive at the derby with 18 points out of 18, even if the Atlético clash looms as the first real test, given Madrid’s recent struggles against their city rivals. To get there, though, they must first win in Valencia.
In goal, there are no surprises: Courtois is undisputed. Madrid have conceded the fewest goals in the league (just two) and have kept three clean sheets in five matches. That solidity is thanks to the whole team, but especially the defense. Carvajal continues at right-back in Trent’s absence and will only be rested in Almaty, where he won’t travel due to suspension. On the left, Carreras remains a fixture. In central defense, Huijsen returns after suspension, while Militao—who has seen heavy minutes—is expected to be rotated, with Asencio holding his place in the XI.
In midfield, the rotation continues around two players: Tchouaméni and Valverde. The Frenchman is in fine form, and Xabi wants to maximize his impact. Valverde, meanwhile, is still searching for rhythm, but the coach is confident his moment will come with minutes. The third midfield spot remains the big question: stick with Güler, who is in excellent form, or bring back Bellingham, now fully recovered from his shoulder injury and ready to start. Güler seems to have a slight edge, but it’s an open battle.
In attack, changes are expected as well. Rodrygo is tipped to start on the left in place of Vinícius. Madrid’s No. 7 left the pitch against Espanyol visibly upset at being substituted, and with his contract renewal still unresolved, his situation is complicated. Xabi, though, is focused solely on sporting matters and has made clear he will rotate until one of the two secures the spot outright. Against Levante, Rodrygo looks set to get another opportunity.
On the right, Mastantuono should see more minutes. He has yet to score his first goal but offers constant threat and a strong defensive contribution, often providing the balance Xabi seeks. Leading the line, there’s no debate: Mbappé, the man of the moment, with seven goals in six games.
So, Madrid’s likely lineup against Levante is: Courtois; Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler or Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Valverde; Mastantuono, Mbappé, and Rodrygo.