According to Marca, Valverde and Tchouaméni are struggling to control the midfield, and Bernardo Silva could be the solution.

The Valverde-Tchouaméni pairing has failed to meet expectations, Bernardo Silva awaits his opportunity, and Diomandé poses a threat to the attacking trio.

The derby forced Mourinho to abandon any reconciliation plans with the competition upon his return to Real Madrid this season, and it also revealed his primary tactical approach on the pitch. In fact, this had been predicted before the match at the Metropolitano.

On the other hand, Real Madrid's starting lineup was nearly identical to the heavy defeat last season when Xabi Alonso was on the bench. Only three changes were made: Dumfries replacing Carvajal, and Konate and Cucurella as new additions. The midfield and attack remained unchanged. Mourinho's initial plan was identical, and cracks have already begun to show.

However, Mourinho stated he was pleased with Real Madrid's performance in the first half. Yet the actual play did not support this conclusion, as the team once again exposed problems from previous matches. In the second half, even with only ten men, after Diomandé and Bernardo Silva came off the bench, Real Madrid pushed Atlético Madrid back further in a short time frame. Rüdiger's goal came from this sustained pressure. This centre-back, who also came off the bench after Heijsen was sent off, scored as a reward for the Ivorian's relentless attacking on the left wing. He was the only one able to contain Giuliano and Marcos Llorente.

Real Madrid's manager still regards Vinícius, Mbappé, and Bellingham as untouchable core players, though among these three, the Brazilian was the first to be substituted. Another player who has claimed a spot is Güler, but he is also usually among the first to be withdrawn. Diomandé was the standout player in his second start, against Elche. He delivered a similar performance in his home debut at the Bernabéu against Rayo Vallecano. However, his inclusion in the starting lineup means one of these four players must be sacrificed. Diomandé is proving himself on the left wing, but Vinícius plays there, and Real Madrid's most expensive signing in history can also play on the right.

Bernardo Silva's versatility

Mourinho deployed Valverde and Tchouaméni together in central midfield. Tchouaméni took time to return to the starting lineup after fully recovering from injury. Güler is the third option, but this trio has also been unable to control the match consistently. Bernardo Silva can play in this position. Mourinho requested the club sign him after learning he would leave Manchester City; at that time, Atlético Madrid was also closely monitoring the transfer, as he was considered the ideal replacement for Griezmann. The Portuguese player can operate both in this position and as part of the attacking trio.

If a change in midfield dynamics is needed, Mourinho still has Camavinga. This player returned to the national team under Zidane. There is also Pitarri, who has been training with the team since September 6 after recovering from a pre-season injury. Last season, he was one of Arbeloa's secret weapons when the team was also searching for solutions. So far this season, in the Champions League match against Inter Milan when several players were unavailable, the Portuguese coach selected Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.

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