India, Aug. 23 -- Real Madrid's blockbuster signing, Yan Diomande, has to wait for his La Liga debut as Jose Mourinho kept him on the bench for the 2026-27 season opener against Espanyol. Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries start at the RCDE Stadium. Apart from Diomande, Marc Cucurella is another notable absentee from Real Madrid's starting lineup vs Espanyol. The Spanish full-back, fresh off a World Cup victory, appears to have lost his place to Alvaro Carreras.

Kylian Mbappe continues to lead the Real Madrid attack, while Vinicius Junior retains his spot on the left wing and Arda Guler operates down the right flank. Jude Bellingham, despite having limited game time in the pre-season, has been included in the playing ele...