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Jose Mourinho sets preferred defensive line for Real Madrid

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 10:40 AM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Jose Mourinho sets preferred defensive line for Real Madrid

Summary

Jose Mourinho has identified his preferred defensive lineup at Real Madrid after just two matches of the 2026/27 season. The selected four includes Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella, with Dumfries emerging as the leading right-back. In a midweek match against Real Sociedad, Mourinho opted to start three of these defenders, substituting Carreras for Cucurella at halftime due to a yellow card. This new defensive approach allowed Madrid to recover 15 balls, minimizing the shots faced by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The team anticipates further adjustments and development before their upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League opener and a derby against Atletico Madrid.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Mourinho's new defensive line includes three recent signings and Huijsen.
•Dumfries has replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold as the starting right-back.
•Madrid's defense only allowed Courtois to face three shots against Sociedad.
•Upcoming matches include the Champions League opener and a derby against Atletico Madrid.
•Mourinho aims to solidify this lineup for crucial games moving forward.

Latest Updates

10:40 AMYahoo Sports — Jose Mourinho identifies his best defensive line at Real Madrid

What they're saying

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According to AS, Jose Mourinho has already settled on his preferred defensive line at Real Madrid only two games into the 2026/27 season.The combination of Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijs...
— Yahoo Sports

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Real Madrid Atletico Madrid Champions League Soccer