Real Madrid have clicked into gear under caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa and their 6-1 demolition of AS Monaco has fans dreaming of Champions League glory. A dark cloud has hung over the Estadio Bernabeu in recent weeks in light of Xabi Alonso's departure on January 12th.
A 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final sent Alonso packing and ignited a hailstorm. Angry fans whistled several Madrid players in last weekend's 2-0 win against Levante including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
But the under-fire duo were at their best in the win over Monaco especially Vinicius who starred out on the left with one goal and two assists. Arbeloa's team selection was spot on and many of those who started the game are statistically the best options moving forward.
Real Madrid's best team revealed
If Arbeloa is to guide Madrid to success this season, it seems he's best off leaving Rodrygo out of his starting lineup once the Brazilian winger returns from injury. A best XI on current form produced by the Madrid Zone has determined that Franco Mastantuono should be a starter.
The Argentine caught the eye in the win against Monaco and was on the scoresheet after starting on the right of a three-man attack. On current form he lines up alongside Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
A midfield three has Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni partnered by Arda Guler. The Turkish midfielder has taken his time adapting to life in La Liga but has performed well recently including in the Champions League victory this week.
That means Eduardo Camavinga doesn't start in midfield but the Frenchman still makes the team. He continues at left-back and that might be a decision backed by fans given his outing against Monaco which earned rave reviews.
Arbeloa should also stick with Federico Valverde at right-back while Raul Asencio is partnered by Dean Huijsen in central defense. The latter has admitted he hasn't been at his best but explained that fitness struggles had taken their toll.
The obvious choice in goal is Thibaut Courtois who continues to be one of Europe's most reliable goalkeepers. The veteran Belgian shot-stopper was fantastic in the Supercopa semi-final win over Atletico Madrid.
🚨 Real Madrid’s best starting XI based on current form. @perplexity_ai 📈 pic.twitter.com/WELs3m3LSV
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 22, 2026
Rodrygo surely returns to Madrid's XI
Rodrygo has been sidelined since the Supercopa final defeat to Barcelona and has yet to play under Arbeloa since Alonso's departure. The Brazilian winger was in fine form before missing games against Albacete, Levante and Monaco.
The 25-year-old hasn't been hugely prolific but he's still managed three goals and six assists in 24 games across competitions. This came after a summer of uncertainty when there were doubts over his future at the club.
Arbeloa will likely use Rodrygo on the right of his attack unless Mastantuono reaches a level where he can't be dropped. But if any of Madrid's high-profile attackers is going to head to the bench it would be the Brazil international.