Rotation on the Menu: Real Madrid’s lineup puzzle ahead of Getafe clash
19 October 2025
Rotation in Madrid: Alonso's chessboard amid Getafe test
Real Madrid are bracing for a key test against Getafe on Sunday evening at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, in La Liga round nine.
The team arrives with a makeshift back line due to injuries, forcing coach Xabi Alonso to rotate and field a new starting XI.
This would be the 11th different starting lineup in 11 league games this season, with Federico Valverde pushed into a defensive role and the return of Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois as constants.
Jude Bellingham, fresh from shoulder surgery, had played only in the Madrid derby and looked off the pace.
The international break gave him a chance to regain match fitness ahead of a fiery run that includes Juventus in the Champions League, then Barcelona in the Clasico, and Liverpool at Anfield.
The lineup will spark debate on how to integrate Bellingham: keep the 4-3-3, revert to 4-2-3-1, or switch to 4-4-2.
Defensively, injuries to Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Mendy and others push for a makeshift backline; a potential setup could feature Raul Asensio alongside Militao in central defence, with Carreras on the left and Valverde perhaps on the right.
David Alaba and Fran Garcia are on the bench as the two available defensive options.
In midfield, Kamavinga and Tchouaméni anchor the engine room, with a choice between Arda Güler and Mastantuno for the other midfield slot; up front, Mbappe and Vinícius Jr lead the attack.
The expected Real Madrid lineup, per AS, would be: Courtois in goal; back four Militao, Asensio, Alaba, Carreras, Fran Garcia; midfield with Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Tiago; and the forward line of Vinícius, Endrick, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Ibrahim Diaz, Mastantuno.
Alonso clarified that Dani Ceballos should be cautious after a new injury and will miss the Getafe match.
He stressed focusing on each game one at a time, adding that the weekend provides a rare period of work without a crowded schedule, while noting Getafe always presents a tough test under a coach who knows how to maximize his players.
Regarding the Barcelona–Villarreal friendly in Miami, Alonso reiterated his stance against official matches outside Spain, while confirming the squad returned from national duties in good shape, save for one injury, with discipline and a strict daily routine remaining essential due to the busy calendar.
On Raúl Asensio, Alonso praised the defender’s anticipation and physicality, noting he could thrive in a three-man line as he continues to mature through the academy. He also highlighted Ferland Mendy’s return as a positive sign and praised Fran Garcia for versatility as winger or fullback, with Mendy offering further flexibility; Madrid have previously operated with five defenders and may revisit that approach.
In sum, the Getafe match tests Madrid’s rotation policy, and Alonso’s squad will need cohesion across defense, midfield, and attack to stay on track in multiple competitions.
Punchline time: If Madrid’s defense were a fishing net, it would still leak less water than a sieve—thankfully the midfield seems ready to bail. And if rotation were a sport, Alonso would have won the league by now; unfortunately, the trophy is still waiting for the XI that finally clicks.
