Real Madrid celebrates the return of Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold to face Valencia

Real Madrid has finalized its preparations for one of the most anticipated and high-tension fixtures of the La Liga season. Álvaro Arbeloa has officially released his 22-man squad list for the trip to Mestalla, a stadium that has historically tested the mettle of the "Merengue" project. As the title race against Barcelona intensifies in this 2026 campaign, Arbeloa’s selection reflects a delicate balance between veteran leadership and the "New Era" talents currently taking over the capital.

Between the posts, there are no surprises, but there is plenty of security. Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed number one and the defensive heartbeat of the team. He is joined by the reliable Andriy Lunin, whose performances in recent seasons have made him the best "backup" in world football. Rounding out the trio is the promising youth prospect Sergio Mestre, who continues his apprenticeship within the first-team dynamics, gaining vital experience in hostile environments like Valencia.

The defensive line is where Arbeloa’s squad shows its true evolution. While captains Dani Carvajal and David Alaba provide the necessary grit and tactical intelligence, all eyes are on the recent blockbuster signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman has adapted seamlessly to life in Madrid, offering a creative dimension from the right-back position that was previously unseen.

The inclusion of Antonio Rüdiger ensures a physical presence in the "cauldron" of Mestalla, while the squad's depth is bolstered by young stars like Dean Huijsen and Raúl Asencio. Arbeloa is clearly looking to the future, also including D. Jiménez, Fran García, and Álvaro Carreras to ensure maximum energy on the flanks.

In the engine room, Real Madrid presents a "Power Trio" of physical and technical superiority. Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni form a block that is almost impossible to bypass. To add a touch of "pausa" and control, Dani Ceballos retains his place in the squad.

The creative spark will fall on Arda Güler, who has become a fan favorite for his ability to unlock deep-lying defenses. However, the most intriguing name on the list is Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine prodigy is being slowly integrated into the first-team rotation, and Arbeloa’s decision to bring him to Valencia suggests he may see significant minutes if the game needs a moment of individual magic.

With Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo sidelined (as previously reported), the weight of the attack rests squarely on the shoulders of Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman is currently the leading candidate for the Pichichi trophy and arrives at Mestalla in peak physical condition. He will be supported by Brahim Díaz and the explosive Gonzalo García, two players capable of drifting across the front line to confuse the Valencia backline.

Arbeloa’s goal is simple: take the three points and keep the pressure on Barcelona. By mixing established superstars with the "Hungry Generation," Real Madrid is signaling that they are ready for the war of attrition that Mestalla always provides.