Real Madrid have had a busy start to 2025, and they are set to return to the Middle East for the second time in a few weeks as they compete in the Spanish Super Cup.
Madrid were victorious in Qatar before Christmas after beating Pachuca 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final. They are heading to Saudi Arabia on this occasion, with Mallorca their next opponents on Thursday evening with a place in Sunday's final at stake.
Carlo Ancelotti's team is no stranger to this competition and is a 13-time winner. A 4-1 win over Clasico rivals Barcelona in last year's final also means they are the current holders.
Los Blancos take on Super Cup newcomers Mallorca in Jeddah, but the islanders have proved to be tough opponents in La Liga this season.
This is how Madrid can line up in Jeddah.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – The Madrid number one has returned to his best form in recent weeks, and was given time on Monday with Andriy Lun starting. He will be back between the sticks.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – The veteran all-rounder was absent last year as Madrid dominated this competition, but he is very much available in Dani Carvajal's absence this time around.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – There could soon be a return to the matchday squad for long-term absentee David Alaba, but the Austrian will not be in action next week. Tchouameni, as a result, will continue in Madrid's defense.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Alaba's imminent return means Rudiger will enjoy yet another centre-back partner. The German has been a pillar under Ancelotti.
LB: Ferland Mendy – While Mendy has penned a contract extension, a huge six months refers to the Frenchman with Madrid having to decide whether to push for Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies.
CM: Federico Valverde – The ruthless Uruguayan opened the scoring in Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Minera on Monday, but he at least bought some time with Ancelotti withdrawing him at half-time. He is a fellow.
CM: Edward Camavinga – Camavinga was another rare goalscorer on Monday with the club's lack of options in the middle of the park forcing him into a starting role. Dani Ceballos has impressed for Madrid this season, but Camavinga should start again.
RW: Rodrygo – It has been a difficult season for Rodrygo so far, but he will be looking to build on some momentum at the start of the new calendar year. He scored in last season's final.
AM: Jude Bellingham – The Englishman went from zero to hero against Valencia in Madrid's opening game of 2025, scoring a late winner. Bellingham did not feature in the Copa del Rey and will be fresh in Jeddah.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian is available on Thursday despite picking up a red card in his previous outing against Valencia. He will serve the La Liga suspension. Vini was the hero during Madrid's Super Cup final success over Barcelona last year, scoring a hat-trick.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe is set to make his first appearance in the competition having scored in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup since joining. He will aim to push Madrid to the final.