Jose Mourinho makes first major Real Madrid midfield decision for Espanyol clash

Jose Mourinho makes first major Real Madrid midfield decision for Espanyol clash Real Madrid’s midfield selection for the opening match of the 2026-27 La Liga season is reportedly defined, with Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde expected to form Jose Mourinho’s double pivot against Espanyol. According to MARCA, as relayed by Madrid Xtra , the pair is set to start in the two deeper midfield roles for Real Madrid’s first league game of the campaign. It is important to note that the double pivot is set to become one of the most closely watched aspects of Mourinho’s new Real Madrid project, with Bernardo, Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni competing for two positions. For the Espanyol match, however, circumstances surrounding Tchouameni appear to have made the decision easier. Bernardo Silva set for key Real Madrid midfield role Bernardo Silva is expected to take one of the two places in Mourinho’s midfield setup, operating as the team’s main playmaker from a deeper position. Bernardo Silva will be Real Madrid’s playmaker. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) The bigger debate has centred around who will partner Bernardo . On paper, Tchouameni is arguably the most natural holding midfielder available to Mourinho.  The Frenchman offers positional discipline and defensive protection, making him an obvious candidate for a role in the double pivot. Valverde, meanwhile, brings something different . As Real Madrid’s first captain, the Uruguayan has enormous influence within the squad and offers energy, leadership and the ability to cover large areas of the pitch. However, with only one position available, the battle between Valverde and Tchouameni was expected to be one of Mourinho’s first major midfield decisions. Valverde will start against Espanyol. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images) However, Valverde is set to get the nod against Espanyol, meaning Bernardo Silva and the club captain will form the Real Madrid double pivot for the La Liga opener. Tchouameni fitness issue opens door for Valverde The expected selection of Valverde does not necessarily mean that Mourinho has already made a long-term decision regarding his preferred midfield partnership. Tchouameni has not played a single minute during Real Madrid’s pre-season due to muscular discomfort , putting him behind his midfield rivals in terms of match fitness. Reports suggest the French midfielder could recover in time to be available for the Espanyol game. However, after missing the entire pre-season programme, a place on the bench appears to be the more likely outcome. That would leave Valverde and Bernardo as the natural choices to start.