Real Madrid prepares for La Liga opener against Espanyol with key player changes

Real Madrid will face RCD Espanyol in La Liga at RCDE Stadium later tonight, marking Jose Mourinho's first match back with the team. The squad has seen significant changes with six new signings available, but several key players, including Rodrygo and Aurelien Tchouameni, will miss the match due to injury. Thibaut Courtois returns from injury to start in goal, while Ibrahima Konate is expected to partner with Dean Huijsen in defense. Mourinho is likely to utilize Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde in midfield, with Kylian Mbappe leading the attack. The pre-season has seen no losses for Real Madrid, but the match in Catalonia is anticipated to be challenging.

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