Alonso Unveils Real Madrid’s XI to Tame Valencia — Drama, Doubts, and a La Liga Grit

Lineups and setting at the Bernabéu

Spanish coach Xabi Alonso named Real Madrid's starting XI for the home clash with Valencia on matchday 11 of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Madrid lineup featured the return of Argentine Franco Mastantuono, while Brazilian Rodrygo and Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold started on the bench. On the Madrid bench were Eduardo Camavinga, Raúl Asensio, Ibrahim Diaz, Ferland Mendy and Endrick.

Real Madrid XI: Courtois - Carvajal - Din Huesin - Eder Militao - Fede Valverde - Chouaméni - Arda Güler - Bellingham - Mastantuono - Vinícius Júnior - Mbappé.

Valencia XI: Agirizabal - Thierry - Tarija - Kobiti - Jaya - Santamaría - Bibelo - Lopez - Rioja - Beltrán - Danguoma.

Valencia: Agirizabal - Thierry - Tarija - Kobiti - Jaya - Santamaría - Bibelo - López - Rioja - Beltrán - Dangouma.

Lineups unveiled — kick-off is set for the night at the Bernabéu.

Alonso’s remarks, the Vinícius moment, and the apology

In the press conference, Alonso explained, "We held a meeting with everyone last Wednesday, and Vinícius was exemplary. He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles it."

Following the game, Vinícius Júnior reacted strongly to the coach’s decision to substitute him after 71 minutes in last Sunday’s clash at the Bernabéu, which Real Madrid won 2-1 in the La Liga classic.

Three days later, the Brazilian star issued a public apology via his social accounts to the Real Madrid leadership, the president, and the fans, without naming the coach.

Asked about Vinícius in the follow-up, Alonso replied, "It was a valuable and very positive statement. He spoke from the heart. What he said matters most, and the issue was settled on Wednesday."

Alonso added, "We trained well yesterday, and we are all in the same mindset. No punishment will be handed out; we move forward together."

Contract talk

Alonso also denied that Vinícius’s contract situation had affected him, saying, "The Brazilian looks focused and excited. He played a great game against Barcelona." He emphasized that the focus remains on performance and not headlines.

La Liga focus

Regarding Europe, Alonso stated that there’s no current plan to think about Liverpool in the Champions League’s fourth round, stressing Valencia and then Rayo Vallecano in La Liga as the immediate priorities.

Alonso recalled that Valencia won at the Bernabéu last season and that Rayo Vallecano is a tough, organized side. After a big win, one must stay grounded; the current priority is the upcoming match with Valencia.

Clásico reflections

On the Clásico, Alonso said, "Before facing Barcelona, I spoke about the importance of winning to boost confidence. Now we must forget that win and focus on upcoming games; otherwise, we risk losing points." He added that several plans looked good against Barcelona and that the team showed strength and responsibility when required.

Mbappé, Endrick, and injuries

When asked about Mbappé’s goal-scoring and workload, Alonso noted that Mbappé scores and will continue to do so. He underscored the team’s discipline and collective work, and hinted at carefully managing minutes to protect players’ workload going forward.

Injuries and absences

Alonso explained the absence of youngster Endrick due to circumstances not favorable for minutes, while informing that Dani Carvajal was injured again in the knee after the Clasico and would be out for approximately 7 to 8 weeks.

Real Madrid will now aim to maintain focus on La Liga’s current stretch, with the Champions League chatter taking a back seat for the moment.

Sniper punchline 1: If football were a bakery, Alonso’s substitutions would be the croissants—soft on the outside, strong on the inside, and a little flaky where it matters.

Sniper punchline 2: My defense is so tight that even my jokes get a clean sheet. It’s not trolling, it’s strategic comedy with offside timing.