Vinicius at the Helm as Real Madrid Set Sights on Valencia Showdown
31 October 2025
Lineup, injuries and key notes
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso named the squad for tomorrow’s La Liga clash with Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinícius Júnior leads the Madrid attack, while goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is suspended after the Clasico; additional absences include Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger as they recover from injuries.
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Fran González, and Sergio Mesti. Defenders: Militao, Trente, Asensio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Ferland Mendí, and Huesin.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos. Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonçalo, Ibrahim Díaz, and Mastantoninho.
The match recirculation panel hints at a balanced approach with a blend of experience and youth ready to push for three points in a tightly contested league race.
Alonso’s remarks and contract update
Alonso spoke at a press conference and praised Vinícius for his exemplary conduct in recent talks, indicating the matter is closed and there will be no punishment. He emphasized that Vinícius remains focused and the team’s energy is on upcoming challenges rather than past debates.
On renewal chatter surrounding Vinícius, Alonso reiterated that the Brazilian is focused on the present and the club’s objectives, underscoring a positive frame of mind ahead of Valencia and beyond.
The coach also confirmed that Vinícius’s renewal talks have not derailed the squad’s concentration, and stressed the importance of keeping everyone aligned and prepared for a demanding schedule.
Focus on the league and Clasico reflections
Alonso stressed that current priorities are Valencia and then Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, with broader European matters taking a back seat for now. He noted Valencia’s night-time upset at the Bernabéu last season and described Rayo Vallecano as a well-organized, difficult side, urging the team to stay composed after big results and avoid complacency.
Regarding the Clasico, Alonso highlighted that the team should learn from the performance, but immediately refocus on the next fixtures to prevent points from slipping away due to a loss of momentum.
Mbappé workload management and Endrick’s progression
Asked about Mbappé’s minutes, Alonso explained that the team will manage the workload carefully, supporting a collective effort to keep all players fresh.
Endrick has not yet featured in the run of games, but he is training very well and remains within the club’s longer-term plans. The coach also confirmed Dani Carvajal’s knee injury will sideline him for a period estimated at seven to eight weeks after his Barcelona cameo.
Final notes and outlook
The overarching message is one of focus and deliberate, safe progression. Madrid aims to maintain intensity while avoiding distractions, with the Valencia match serving as a critical stepping stone in a season packed with demanding fixtures.
Punchlines: If Alonso’s playbook were a hobby, it would be a stealthy treasure hunt—quiet, precise, and somehow always leading to a goal. And if you blink during Vinícius’s run, you’ll miss the highlight—the ball already found the net and the crowd found its voice before you could say offside.
