Cucurella to start, Diomande guaranteed minutes against Málaga

José Mourinho did not reveal Real Madrid’s complete starting XI against Málaga, but he was willing to confirm two decisions. Marc Cucurella will start, while Yan Diomande will either join him in the line-up or come off the bench.

The change at left-back has already been decided. Cucurella will replace Álvaro Carreras, who started against both Espanyol and Real Sociedad. Mourinho made it clear that the Spaniard had performed well in those matches. His reward for two good displays will apparently be an opportunity to watch the third from a more comfortable position.

“Cucurella will start tomorrow and Carreras, who played well against Espanyol and Real Sociedad, will be on the bench,” Mourinho said during his official press conference. “If Cucurella runs out of fuel, we have Álvaro ready to come on.”

The Portuguese coach presented the decision as an example of Madrid’s squad strength. He does not need to wait for Carreras to perform poorly before giving Cucurella an opportunity. He can make the change while keeping an in-form replacement on the bench. From Varcelona’s perspective, that is an inconveniently sensible way to manage minutes.

There is slightly more uncertainty on the right wing. Mourinho did not confirm whether Diomande will make his first start, but he guaranteed that the 19-year-old will feature.

“Tomorrow, he will either start or come on later,” the coach explained. “He is becoming more prepared.”

Mourinho pointed out that Diomande joined Madrid late and had not been training normally with RB Leipzig. He arrived without the same physical base as several of his teammates, which explains why he was introduced from the bench during the opening two league matches.

The manager’s comments also confirm earlier reports suggesting that Diomande was being considered for the starting XI against Málaga. It remains unclear whether Mourinho will select him immediately, but there is no longer any doubt about the winger receiving more minutes.

Madrid began the season by beating Espanyol 2-1 and Real Sociedad 4-1. Mourinho can now make changes without needing to repair a losing team. Cucurella gets his opportunity, Carreras remains available from the bench and Diomande continues moving closer to a regular role.

There is not much for Varcelona to enjoy in those decisions. We may have to place our hopes in Cucurella genuinely running out of fuel.