Mourinho includes Huijsen and puts Vinícius back: likely Real Madrid XI vs Roma

Real Madrid play tonight at the Estadio Olímpico against Roma on the second matchday of the Champions League league stage (21:00), and Mourinho looks set to go with his strongest lineup to ease the pressure. The coach has his main stars available: Asencio and Rodrygo are left in Madrid with injuries, while Militão and Mendy have trained with the group but are not ready to play yet.

A starting XI to go all-in

The key call is Huijsen returning to the back line after serving a ban. In attack, Mourinho sticks with Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé. After Mourinho’s side’s previous weekend match at Villarreal ended with an expulsion, attention turns to Vinícius, who is set to return to the left flank—meaning Diomandé would start on the bench.

The midfield would be Valverde and Tchouaméni, though the plan could shift if Mourinho delays Arda Güler, pushing Valverde to the right—his natural spot. The proposed XI is: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.