Trent Alexander-Arnold was once again left on the bench as Real Madrid returned to La Liga action, with his start in the Champions League seemingly failing to convince Jose Mourinho
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 8: Trent Alexander Arnold of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid v Internazionale at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 8, 2026 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold was left on the bench as Real Madrid returned to La Liga action(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s frustrations continued at Real Madrid on Saturday as he was once again benched by Jose Mourinho.
The former Liverpool captain has now started just two of Los Blancos’ six games this season and, rather more worryingly for the 27-year-old, the 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano was the second time he hasn’t even been called upon to come off the bench.
After a mixed first season at the Bernabeu in which injuries limited him to 30 appearances, with only 22 starts, Alexander-Arnold’s fortunes have not been helped by the return of Mourinho as manager, with the Portuguese showing a clear preference for Denzel Dumfries at right-back.
The Netherlands international was signed during the summer following the departure of club legend Dani Carvajal and has started all but one game so far, leaving Alexander-Arnold with very few opportunities.
The Anfield academy graduate did start in midweek in the Champions League alongside Dumfries, having been deployed in midfield by Mourinho. Judging by the Real boss’ comments after the game and his selection on Saturday though, it’s not an experiment that he intends to continue.
"He played very well,” Mourinho said of Alexander-Arnold after the 2-1 win over Inter Milan.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid receives instructions from head coach Jose Mourinho during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Jose Mourinho has favored Denzel Dumfries over Trent Alexander-Arnold this season(Image: Getty)
“He understood his tactical role perfectly. The runs of his number eights, Curtis Jones and Barella, both he and Valverde... they worked very well at this level.
"He had a few turnovers here and there, because it's not the same playing with the whole field in front of you as it is with half the field in front of you and the other half behind you. He's played there before with Liverpool and the national team, but he's not a midfielder, mainly because of the intensity.
"The specific demands of the physical work... it's a very difficult position. You need a completely different kind of engine than his, which is more typical of a positional full-back. And he gave his all.
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"When he came on, he had nothing left to give. And I appreciate the effort he made for the team."
Real are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Elche before making the short journey across Madrid to face Atletico next Sunday.
Before that game, Thomas Tuchel will announce his England squad for the upcoming international break, but having been snubbed for the World Cup, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Alexander-Arnold will earn a spot back in the Three Lions’ side, with his opportunities at Real seemingly dwindling further.