Real Madrid completed their pre-season preparations in style on August 16, cruising to a convincing 3-0 victory over Schalke 04 at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen . The win capped off an undefeated pre-season campaign with three wins and one draw for José Mourinho's side, who now turn their full attention to the La Liga opener against Espanyol on August 22 .
For Mourinho, the VELTINS-Arena holds special meaning – it was the site of his 2004 Champions League triumph with Porto, the moment that launched his legendary managerial career . Nearly 22 years later, he returned to the same stadium with a new-look Real Madrid squad, and the result could hardly have been better.
Real Madrid starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Huijsen, Carreras; Bernardo Silva, Valverde; Brahim Díaz, Güler, Vinícius Jr.; Mbappé
Goalscorers: Mbappé (6'), Huijsen (20'), Carlos Espí (57')
Before a sold-out crowd of 62,136 fans celebrating the stadium's 25th anniversary, Madrid wasted no time asserting their dominance .
The opener came in the 6th minute. Kylian Mbappé, playing his first match since France's World Cup third-place playoff on July 18, read a poor back pass from Schalke's Ron Schallenberg, intercepted it, and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Loris Karius. The finish was clinical – a reminder that the 27-year-old superstar had lost none of his sharpness during the summer break .
Just 14 minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead. Arda Güler delivered a pinpoint corner, and Dean Huijsen rose highest to power a header into the back of the net. The center-back's goal came at a perfect time, strengthening his case for a starting spot in next week's La Liga opener .
The third goal arrived in the 57th minute. Álvaro Carreras broke down the left flank and delivered a cross to the far post, where substitute Carlos Espí headed home to seal the victory. It was Espí's second pre-season goal, and the young Spaniard now appears to be Mourinho's first-choice backup to Mbappé .
Mbappé started and played the first 45 minutes before being substituted at half-time – a planned move by Mourinho to manage the forward's minutes after his late return to training .
The French superstar showed no signs of rust. His movement, pressing, and finishing were all on display. The goal wasn't just a tap-in; it came from intelligent pressing that triggered a chain reaction – Bernardo Silva and Güler pushed forward, Schalke panicked, and Mbappé pounced .
Mourinho was full of praise after the match: "At this moment, it's difficult to talk individually because we are growing as a team. Here, we only have good players, very good players, and very, very, very good players."
The match marked a significant milestone for Real Madrid's summer transfer business, with three key signings making their unofficial debuts in the famous white shirt .
The €140 million signing from RB Leipzig – the most expensive African player in history – entered the match in the 61st minute, replacing Brahim Díaz .
Still building match fitness after a disrupted pre-season, Diomandé was deployed on the right flank and immediately caught the eye – not with flashy dribbling, but with impressive defensive work. The 19-year-old Ivorian recorded:
One notable moment saw Diomandé win back possession and launch Vinícius Jr. with a long pass that could have led to a penalty . While his attacking flair is yet to fully show, his work rate and pressing discipline clearly impressed. Training ground footage circulating online has already shown glimpses of his talent at Valdebebas .
The €55 million arrival from Chelsea also made his debut in the 61st minute, replacing Carreras at left-back .
Cucurella's introduction was met with boos from the German crowd – a reminder of the controversial handball incident during Spain's Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Germany, where a penalty wasn't awarded. UEFA later acknowledged the decision was incorrect, and German fans haven't forgotten .
The left-back, however, brushed off the hostile reception and focused on his performance. Speaking after the match, he told Real Madrid TV: "I felt very good. It's easy with these teammates. The wait felt long – very happy."
He also praised the squad's atmosphere: "The colleagues are very nice people. They make the arrival easy for everyone. A close-knit group."
The French center-back, signed from Liverpool on a free transfer, started the match alongside Huijsen and played the first 45 minutes . His arrival adds depth and physicality to a defensive unit that Mourinho is clearly building with precision.
Beyond the pitch, the friendly was also a financial success. According to reports, Real Madrid earned a net €1.5 million for the match, with all expenses – including travel and accommodation – covered by hosts Schalke . That's a mini-transfer fee in itself, and a sign of Madrid's commercial pull even in pre-season fixtures.
1. The Defense Is Taking Shape
Mourinho appears to have two solid options at every fullback position. Carreras impressed at left-back before being replaced by Cucurella, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries share competition on the right. In central defense, Huijsen's pre-season form makes him a strong candidate to start against Espanyol, with Konaté and Antonio Rüdiger vying for the other spot while Éder Militão recovers from injury .
2. Espí Is Winning the Striker Battle
While Endrick was absent from the squad with reported muscle discomfort, Carlos Espí seized his opportunity. The young Spaniard has now scored in two of his last three pre-season appearances, while Endrick remains goalless. Espí appears to have leapfrogged the Brazilian as the first alternative to Mbappé .
3. Mourinho's Method Is Working
The squad's mentality was praised by Cucurella, with players like Mbappé, Courtois, and Bellingham returning early from holiday to train. Mourinho's scientific approach to managing minutes – using performance data and player feedback to decide substitutions – shows a manager in full control of his squad .
Real Madrid will kick off their La Liga campaign on August 22 away against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium . With an unbeaten pre-season behind them and a rejuvenated squad hungry for silverware, the expectations are high. Madrid have gone two seasons without a major trophy – Mourinho's mission is clear: win back La Liga .
