Real Madrid deploys Endrick and Valverde against Sevilla

Real Madrid enters Sunday’s La Liga fixture at the Santiago-Bernabéu, while visiting Sevilla occupies fifth place with 14 points, as reported by Afrik-Foot.

Mourinho Deploys Endrick in Starting XI as Valverde Shifts to Defense

Goal.com noted that José Mourinho has handed Brazilian forward Endrick his first start of the season following a strong substitute appearance against AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League. The tactical setup features Thibaut Courtois in goal behind a back four consisting of Federico Valverde, Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella, according to Source 2. Source 4 added that Federico Valverde’s repositioning to the defensive line comes as Mourinho leaves Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries on the bench. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler occupy the central midfield double pivot, supporting an attacking trio of Endrick, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomandé behind central striker Kylian Mbappé, as detailed by Source 2. Goal.com also noted that Arda Güler starts after beginning the previous match against Roma on the bench, while Marca reported that Fede Valverde will play in a defensive position that he did not wish to occupy in past seasons. Source 4 added that Yan Diomande takes on the role of the suspended Vinicius Junior.

Sevilla Arrives Well-Rested Following Levante Draw

Sevilla travels to the capital following a 3-3 draw against Levante on Monday night, presenting a fresh squad under the direction of Luis García Plaza, according to Afrik-Foot. Source 2 reported that the side organizes in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Odysseas starting in goal behind a defensive line of Iglesias, Castrin, Salas, and Suazo. Agoumé and Fofana form the central midfield double pivot, while Vargas, Felix, and Peque operate in support of lone forward Ure, per Source 2’s lineup confirmation. Meanwhile, Sevilla remains without Marcao due to a muscle issue, Jon Guridi due to an adductor problem, and Miguel Sierra due to a shoulder injury, as all three stay sidelined in the medical room.

Disciplinary Absences and Referee Assignments at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid must navigate this fixture without Vinicius Junior, who is serving the first of a four-match domestic suspension following a red card received against Villarreal for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair, as outlined by Source 2 and Afrik-Foot. Source 3 reported that the referee committee appointed 32-year-old Mateo Busquets Ferrer to officiate the match, making him the youngest referee in Spain’s top flight. Source 3 added that Guillermo Cuadra Fernández will manage the video assistant referee (VAR) booth for the encounter. According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Busquets Ferrer previously refereed Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the second matchday, and under his direction, Real Madrid holds six wins and two draws without a defeat across eight matches, while Sevilla has recorded eight wins and three losses in eleven matches under his officiating. Source 3 noted that Guillermo Cuadra Fernández has presided over 21 matches involving Real Madrid, yielding 11 victories, 5 draws, and 5 defeats, alongside past controversies including a disallowed goal for Vinicius Junior against Sevilla due to a handball dispute.

Upcoming Fixtures and European Context

Real Madrid enters the weekend following a 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday, bringing their European league phase total to six points, as noted by Afrik-Foot. Afrik-Foot reported that Sunday’s match serves as a crucial domestic test before Los Blancos travel to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on October 21, 2026. Source 5 detailed that during Wednesday’s European fixture, Real Madrid faced a 3-1 deficit against AS Roma before mounting a comeback to win 4-3 in the Italian capital.

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