Sports · Football · 4 hrs ago
Mourinho weighs Real Madrid lineup options for El Clásico
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is preparing for El Clásico against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday.
He is still deciding parts of the lineup, and reports disagree over Federico Valverde’s position: one says he is set to play right-back, while another outlines options including midfield.
Eduardo Camavinga has had limited opportunities so far, but his physical strength and ability to carry the ball make him a candidate to help counter Barcelona’s attack.
The choice of where Valverde plays would affect who fills the remaining places in midfield and on the right wing.
The match matters because Mourinho is seeking a lineup that can defend, win the ball and attack quickly.
Mourinho is expected to settle the remaining lineup choices before Sunday’s match.
José Mourinho is weighing several lineup options for Real Madrid’s Clásico against Barcelona, with the match scheduled for Sunday at Camp Nou.
Eduardo Camavinga’s chances of starting are gaining ground, according to Marca.
The main uncertainty is whether Federico Valverde will play at right-back or in midfield, with AS also describing the position as undecided.
Both reports say Mourinho has decisions to make in central defence, while AS says nine starting places are settled.
The lineup choices could affect who plays in midfield and on the right wing.
- Who
- Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is considering the lineup. Real Madrid will face Barcelona.
- What
- Mourinho is weighing lineup options for El Clásico, including Camavinga’s possible inclusion and Valverde’s position.
- When
- Sunday. The articles were published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Camp Nou, Barcelona.
- Why
- Mourinho is preparing for Barcelona’s attack and wants a team able to defend, recover the ball and attack quickly.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Valverde played at right-back in the second half and assisted Diomande.
Valverde has continued at right-back, including against Sevilla and Leipzig.
Marca and AS reported on Mourinho’s lineup options ahead of Sunday’s Clásico.
- Match
- El Clásico on Sunday
- Venue
- Camp Nou
- Coach
- José Mourinho
- Potential lineup change
- Eduardo Camavinga is gaining ground as a possible starter, according to Marca.
- Valverde options
- Right-back or central midfield, according to AS
- Set starters
- AS says nine positions are settled