On September 20, 2025, Real Madrid prepared to face Espanyol at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with a squad that blended veteran regulars and a few promising academy graduates. The official squad announcement, released by the club’s communications office early that morning, listed 23 names, confirming the starting eleven, bench options, and a notable return: 19‑year‑old midfielder Luka Romero, who had missed the previous two fixtures with a minor hamstring strain.
Key figures and tactical setup
The lineup reflected manager Carlo Ancelotti’s intent to keep a stable core while rotating the bench to preserve fitness. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois started his usual match, flanked by a back four of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. In midfield, Luka Modrić partnered with new signing Jude Bellingham, with Eduardo Camavinga providing a more defensive shield.
Up front, the attack was anchored by Vinícius Júnior on the left wing, while Kylian Mbappé, recently loaned from Paris Saint‑Germain, occupied the right. The central striker role was filled by the tall Brazilian Éder Militão, who, despite being a defender by trade, was deployed as a makeshift forward after a training‑ground experiment paid off.
Youthful spark and the Romero comeback
Romero’s inclusion sparked chatter among fans and pundits alike. The Argentine‑born midfielder, who joined Real’s academy at age seven, broke into the senior team last season with a brief cameo against Valencia. His return signals that the club trusts his development and wants to integrate him gradually into high‑pressure games.
Coach Ancelotti explained the decision in a post‑match press conference: “Luka’s been training hard, his fitness is back to normal, and his vision on the ball adds a different dimension. We need to give our youngsters opportunities, especially in matches where we can afford a bit of experimentation.”
Besides Romero, the bench featured other youth prospects: forward Álvaro Rodríguez (who earned his first senior minutes earlier in the season), defender Óscar Mingueza, and midfielder Alejandro Fernández, all of whom have been regulars for Real Madrid Castilla.
The match itself unfolded as a showcase of seasoned efficiency. Militão opened the scoring in the 27th minute, capitalising on a corner by Toni Kroó s that pinged off the post and into the net. Mbappé doubled the lead just before halftime, threading a low pass to Vinícius, who slotted it past Espanyol’s keeper.
Espanyol pressed for a comeback in the second half, but Real’s defence held firm, with Rüdiger’s aerial clearances and Alaba’s timely interventions. Courtois made two crucial saves in the final ten minutes, preserving the clean sheet.
After the final whistle, the club’s official channels praised the collective effort, noting that the blend of experience and fresh talent bodes well for the grueling season ahead. The victory moved Real Madrid to second place in the league table, just three points behind leaders Barcelona.
Looking forward, Ancelotti hinted that the next fixture could see further rotation, especially to keep the squad fresh for upcoming Champions League clashes. The emphasis on integrating youngsters like Luka Romero suggests a strategic shift: building depth without compromising the high standards expected at the Bernabéu.