Real Madrid enter their third game of 2025, facing a third competition of the year. This Spanish Super Cup could potentially mark the team’s third title of the season under Ancelotti’s management. However, the first hurdle is to overcome Mallorca in the semi-finals (Thursday January 9, 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT.).

While the tournament format evolves, the starting eleven for Ancelotti’s men is expected to remain largely unchanged from the lineup in Valencia.

The main uncertainty lies at right-back: will Mendy retain his place, or will Camavinga step in? Otherwise, the lineup remains the same, including Vinicius, who narrowly avoided a harsher suspension and is eligible to play in the Super Cup.

Who will play for Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup?

Valverde is another key player to watch, having been the only member of the squad not to rotate during the Copa del Rey clash with Deportiva Minera. The Uruguayan midfielder has started in all of Madrid’s 28 matches so far this season and is set to make it 29.

Courtois will return as goalkeeper after sitting out the cup match, while Rüdiger will once again partner with Tchouaméni in central defence. Lucas Vázquez is expected to feature on the right flank. In midfield, the Valverde-Ceballos duo has solidified its place within Ancelotti’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup allows Rodrygo, Bellingham, and Vinicius to operate behind Mbappé, who leads the attack.

Ancelotti has brought 24 players to Saudi Arabia for the tournament, including Alaba, who is nearing full recovery, and five youth players: Fran González, Asencio, Lorenzo, Aguado, and Yáñez, all of whom have already debuted with the first team. The squad also includes Lunin, Fran García, Modrić, Güler, Brahim, and Endrick. However, Super Cup regulations limit the bench to 11 substitutes, meaning Ancelotti will have to leave two players out of the match day squad.

The game between Real Madrid and Mallorca will be played on Thursday January 9 at King Abdullah Sport City with kick off at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT. Both ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will be broadcasting the game, and you can watch Real Madrid vs Mallorca live on FuboTV, which offers a free trial.