Rudiger Poised for Starting Role Against Malaga as Real Madrid Faces Defensive Challenges
Real Madrid’s seasoned defender Antonio Rudiger is likely to take the field later today as the team faces Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to reports from MARCA. Following Germany’s exit in the first knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rudiger extended his holiday, enabling him to fully engage with manager Jose Mourinho’s plans early on.
As the third matchday of the league approaches, Rudiger stands out as the sole fit first-team outfield player, in addition to seven others sidelined with injuries, who has yet to see action this season.
Potential to Start Against Malaga
Recognizing the necessity for a robust start, Mourinho aims to fortify the defense. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have occupied central defensive roles in both matches against RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad. These players have been instrumental, participating in every minute of the La Liga season thus far, alongside Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappe.
However, Rudiger’s situation may change today as he emerges as a strong candidate for a starting role against Malaga. After Mourinho fielded the same starting eleven in the initial two matches, a shift in the lineup appears imminent, positioning the former Chelsea defender for his league debut under the new manager.
A Valued Leader for Mourinho
Mourinho views Rudiger as a low-risk option, knowing he can rely on him even without prior game time. As a seasoned and respected player, Rudiger holds significant sway both on the pitch and in the locker room. Since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, he has become a key figure within the squad.
Even without being a guaranteed starter, Rudiger commands respect. His insights are invaluable to the team’s leadership dynamics. Despite previous injury concerns leading to reluctance about renewing his contract, he ultimately chose to remain, largely due to Mourinho’s high regard for his character and experience.
Despite typically playing over 40 matches per season, Rudiger’s last campaign was marred by injuries, restricting him to just 26 appearances. This became a significant issue for Real Madrid, especially with teammate Eder Militao also struggling with fitness and David Alaba not performing at his peak. The decline in form of Huijsen and Raul Asencio added to the complications.
As the center-back position benefits from Konate’s emergence, having Rudiger return to his usual form would be a significant boost for Mourinho. Currently, the priority is for him to take the initial steps toward gaining competitive experience this season.
According to MARCA, Real Madrid veteran defender Antonio Rudiger has a strong chance of starting later today when the team take on Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After Germany were eliminated in the first knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on penalties against Paraguay, the senior centre-back went on holiday early. That allowed him to be involved in Mourinho’s plans from the very beginning.
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Yet, with the third league matchday approaching, he remains the only fit first-team outfield player, aside from the seven injured players, who has yet to feature.
In line to start vs Malaga
Aware of the importance of making a strong start, the Portuguese tactician has wanted the centre of his defence to be a position of strength.
As a result, Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen started both the matches against RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
They are among the five players who have played all 180 minutes of the La Liga season so far. The others are Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde and Kylian Mbappe.
Rudiger could start vs Malaga. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
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However, that could change today as Rudiger is seen as one of the leading candidates to start against Malaga.
After Mourinho named the same XI in the opening two matches, his plan is now to make changes, and the former Chelsea defender is well placed to finally make his league debut under the new manager.
A trusted soldier for Mourinho
Having Rudiger available without playing him is a low-risk decision. The German is a soldier, exactly the kind of player coaches value both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
At Real Madrid since the summer of 2022, he has become one of the most influential voices in the squad.
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Rudiger does not need to be an automatic starter to command respect. When he speaks, everyone knows that he is speaking as one of the leaders of the dressing room.
After a season plagued by physical problems, the 33-year-old had some doubts about renewing his contract with Los Blancos. He ultimately decided to stay, in large part because Mourinho considers having a player with his personality in the squad a major asset.
Rudiger is considered a leader at Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The German is accustomed to playing more than 40 matches a season, but last year he managed only 26. It was a campaign in which injuries repeatedly disrupted his season.
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That became a major problem for Real Madrid, especially with Eder Militao also struggling for fitness, David Alaba no longer performing at his previous level, Huijsen suffering a significant drop in form and Raul Asencio disappearing from the picture.
With the centre-back position now strengthened by Konate, having Rudiger back at the level he has consistently shown since arriving in Madrid would be excellent news for Mourinho.
For now, he simply needs to take the first steps and collect his first competitive minutes of the season.
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