According to a report by Madrid Universal on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Real Madrid have made several changes to their starting eleven for the La Liga meeting with Valencia at Mestalla, with captain Federico Valverde returning to the defence as Jose Mourinho targets another victory.

The Uruguayan international has been selected at right-back and will lead the team against Javier Aguirre's Valencia. His return is one of the notable adjustments in a lineup that reflects Mourinho's decision to rotate several players following the midweek Champions League victory over AEK Athens.

Thibaut Courtois retains his position between the posts, while Marc Cucurella continues at left-back. In central defence, Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been brought into the starting eleven, replacing Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, who featured in the European fixture.

Mourinho has also reshaped his midfield options. Aurelien Tchouameni returns after missing out on a starting position against AEK Athens. The French midfielder is expected to work alongside Bernardo Silva in the double pivot, with the pair responsible for providing defensive cover and supporting Madrid's attacking movements.

Further forward, Arda Guler has regained his place after missing the previous encounter. The Turkish playmaker is expected to operate from the right wing, while Yan Diomande takes up the opposite position.

Jude Bellingham has also been included in the attacking midfield arrangement, giving Madrid another creative option behind their main striker, Kylian Mbappe.

The selection comes as Los Blancos attempt to extend their winning sequence to eight matches across all competitions. Their recent performances have strengthened confidence within the team, but the trip to Mestalla presents another opportunity to demonstrate their consistency away from home.

Valencia will be looking to challenge Madrid's momentum under Aguirre, making the encounter an important test for Mourinho's reshuffled side.

Real Madrid's confirmed starting eleven is Courtois in goal; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen and Cucurella in defence; Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva in midfield; Arda Guler, Bellingham and Diomande behind Mbappe, who leads the attack.

The changes place particular attention on Valverde's defensive assignment and the new central defensive partnership.