Four youngsters were responsible for holding Real Madrid together at Mestalla. Álvaro Arbeloa opted for an ultra-young defensive line against Valencia, with an average age of just 21: David Jiménez (21), Asencio (22), Huijsen (20), and Carreras (22). An all-Spanish back four that looked more like a Castilla lineup than a La Liga starting defense, with Huijsen the only player not developed in the club’s academy.

The surprise inclusion of David Jiménez in the starting eleven completed a defensive setup rarely seen in a league match. A long injury list and several players not fully fit forced a complete rejuvenation at the back. With the absence of experienced defenders such as Rüdiger, Alaba, Carvajal, Mendy, Militão, or Fran García, the average age of Madrid’s defense dropped below 22.

Despite the circumstances, the result could hardly have been better. Real Madrid left Mestalla without conceding a goal, and Courtois enjoyed one of his calmest evenings of the season, underlining the maturity shown by such an inexperienced unit.

Beyond its youth, the defensive line was also unprecedented. It was the first time Arbeloa had started these four defenders together. Injuries have forced constant reshuffling throughout the campaign, and this latest variation increased the total number of different starting defensive combinations used this season to 23 across 35 matches.

At this point of the season, only two defensive lineups have been repeated more than others, each appearing four times. One consists of Valverde, Militão, Huijsen, and Carreras (used against Villarreal, Barcelona, Valencia, and Liverpool), while the other features Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, and Carreras (against Rayo Vallecano, Levante, Villarreal, and Benfica).

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