Real Madrid plans lineup against Malaga

Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho, are coming off a strong start to the 2026-27 season and are preparing for a home clash with Malaga, with talks of a new-look lineup featuring Cucurella at left-back as part of ongoing rotations. The club released squad lists indicating a notably thin first-team due to injuries and absences, including Endrick, Ferland Mendy, Militao, Rodrygo, and Aurelien Tchouaméni, with Javi Navarro stepping in as third goalkeeper. Mourinho is expected to make further changes beyond the confirmed Cucurella inclusion as he continues to integrate new signings and assess options from academy players Mario Rivas, Jorge Cestero, and Alexis Ciria. Across previews, Malaga are described as struggling early in the season, making Real Madrid the clear favorites to extend their perfect start, though concerns persist about defensive stability and rotation fatigue. In related notes, manager Mourinho has lauded Mbappé's performance in recent fixtures, underscoring the high-caliber players at Madrid and the pressure to maintain form as the squad gear up for Sunday’s match.