“Next week in Santander, we have to bring the same intensity.”

That was Kylian Mbappé’s rallying cry after Real Madrid stunned Barcelona at Camp Nou last Sunday to blow the La Liga title race wide open .

José Mourinho enjoyed his finest hour since his return and turned some doubters into believers with the unexpected 2–1 win in the Clásico. There are now just three points separating Madrid from top spot heading into the weekend.

The result of the season so far will count for nothing, however, if Los Blancos slip up on their trip to Cantabria to take on the newly promoted Racing this Sunday. José Alberto López’s team are unbeaten at home so far in 2026–27 and will pose a totally different kind of challenge.

Here’s how Real Madrid could line up for this one.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Racing Santander

GK: Thibaut Courtois —Real Madrid’s reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was called into action last weekend and acquitted himself well, making five saves.…