Real Madrid are facing Elche away from home on Tuesday with the aim of moving ahead of rivals FC Barcelona in the standings.
However, one key Madrid player was absent from the starting lineup when the game got underway. Jude Bellingham was left out of the lineup While Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe were named in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI. The England midfielder is on the bench for the match, but the decision does not appear to be related to an injury concern. Instead, it seems to be a strategic move to give the key midfielder some rest. Bellingham could still feature later in the game, with the midfielder potentially being brought on during the second half. Mourinho has instead opted for a midfield featuring Arda Guler and Yan Diomande, with Tchouameni and Federico Valverde operating through the center. Thibaut Courtois Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella Yan Diomandé, Federico Valverde. Aurélien Tchouaméni. Arda Güler Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
