Mourinho Gives Endrick His First Real Madrid Start Against Sevilla
Real Madrid head into Sunday evening’s LaLiga meeting with Sevilla with a notable change in their attacking line-up: Brazilian forward Endrick has been named in the starting XI for the first time this season. The selection rewards the young striker after an eye-catching performance against Roma in the Champions League and gives him an important opportunity to make an impact in domestic football.
Manager José Mourinho has also brought Arda Güler into the side after the Turkey international began the Roma match on the bench. With Vinícius Júnior unavailable through suspension, Yan Diomande is included in the attacking group, while several familiar names have been left out of the starting line-up.
Endrick’s chance to turn promise into a bigger role
Endrick’s first start is one of the main talking points ahead of the fixture. The Brazilian has already attracted significant attention, but a place in the XI gives him a chance to show how his direct style can fit into Madrid’s attack from the opening whistle. His display against Roma strengthened his case for more minutes, and Mourinho’s decision suggests the coaching staff want to assess him in a more demanding, full-match situation.
Starting against Sevilla presents a different kind of test. Madrid are expected to control possession for long periods, but the visitors can make the contest difficult with compact defending and quick transitions. Endrick will need to find space between defenders, combine effectively with his fellow forwards and make the most of any chances that come his way. His movement could also create room for Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham to attack from different positions.
For Madrid supporters, the selection adds an extra layer of interest to the match. A strong performance would not guarantee Endrick a regular starting place, especially with competition for attacking positions, but it could strengthen his claim for a larger role as the season develops.
Güler returns, while Diomande steps in for Vinícius
Güler’s inclusion offers Madrid another creative option in midfield. The Turkey international is capable of playing between the lines, carrying the ball forward and delivering passes into dangerous areas. His presence may help the team connect its midfield and attack, particularly if Sevilla defend deep and leave little room for straightforward forward runs.
Diomande is also set for a significant responsibility. With Vinícius suspended, the young attacker has been selected to help fill the gap in Madrid’s forward line. Replacing Vinícius’s pace and one-on-one threat is a substantial challenge, so Madrid may look for Diomande to stretch the defence while Mbappé and Endrick occupy central positions. His contribution without the ball could be just as important, as Madrid will want to prevent Sevilla from building counterattacks down the flanks.
Valverde takes on a different defensive assignment
Another notable feature of Mourinho’s selection is Fede Valverde’s expected role at full-back. The midfielder has filled in across the pitch for Madrid, but the position has not always been his preferred assignment. His energy, pace and work rate make him a useful option in defence, although playing wide requires different decisions from those he makes in the centre of midfield.
Valverde’s ability to cover ground could help Madrid defend against Sevilla’s wide players and support attacks when space opens up. However, his positioning will be important: advancing too early may leave room behind him, while staying too deep could limit Madrid’s ability to create width. The tactical choice illustrates Mourinho’s willingness to adapt his personnel to the available squad and the demands of the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries are among the players named on the bench. Their presence gives Madrid alternatives if the game requires fresh legs, additional width or a change in defensive approach. The depth of the substitutes could prove valuable in a fixture where the tempo may rise in the second half.
Real Madrid’s confirmed starting line-up
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defence: Fede Valverde, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Yan Diomande
Attack: Jude Bellingham, Endrick, Kylian Mbappé
Sevilla test could shape the match prediction
Any football prediction for this meeting must account for the balance between Madrid’s attacking quality and the uncertainty created by several changes to the starting XI. Mbappé and Bellingham provide proven threat, while Endrick’s inclusion adds energy and unpredictability. Güler could be central to Madrid’s chance creation, particularly if Sevilla focus on closing down the most direct routes towards goal.
Sevilla’s best opportunities may come when they win possession and attack before Madrid’s defensive shape is fully restored. That makes the work of Tchouaméni, Valverde and the wider players especially important. If Madrid control the midfield and limit turnovers, they should be able to keep pressure on the visitors. If Sevilla exploit space behind the full-backs, the match could become more open than the hosts would prefer.
Madrid’s next listed fixtures include a Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig on October 22, followed by a LaLiga match against Osasuna on October 27. Sunday’s game therefore also offers Mourinho a chance to manage minutes and evaluate options ahead of a busy schedule. Endrick’s first start, Güler’s return and Valverde’s defensive assignment make the Sevilla clash a useful measure of Madrid’s depth as well as a key league test.
