Real Madrid set to start Huijsen and Konate in defense
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 7:15 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Real Madrid is poised to kick off the 2026/27 La Liga season against Espanyol this weekend. New head coach José Mourinho has reportedly selected Dean Huijsen and summer signing Ibrahima Konate as his starting center-back duo. This decision comes after their strong showing together in a recent friendly against Schalke. Antonio Rüdiger is expected to remain on the bench for this opening match. With the new season approaching, Madrid aims to improve on last season's performance.
- •Real Madrid faces Espanyol to start the new season.
- •Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate are set to start in defense.
- •Antonio Rüdiger will begin the season on the bench.
- •The match is scheduled to take place this weekend.
- 7:15 PMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid’s predicted centre-back duo to start the new season
"An insight into the plans of the coaching staff at La Liga giants Real Madrid for the heart of the club’s defence heading into the new campaign has been forthcoming online.This comes amid the unders...
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