Real Madrid played their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Friday evening, taking on local side Alcorcón at the club’s training complex in Valdebebas. Just over ten days after the squad returned to training, José Mourinho’s team stepped onto the pitch for its first opportunity to put tactical ideas into practice. While the match was mainly intended to build fitness, it also offered supporters an early glimpse of the players, new combinations, and the style Mourinho hopes to develop ahead of the new campaign.
Mourinho selected an interesting starting lineup that mixed experienced first-team players with several promising young talents. One of the biggest surprises was the inclusion of Arda Güler in the starting XI despite the Turkish midfielder only returning to training on Monday. Gonzalo García led the attack as the lone striker, with highly-rated Argentine youngster Franco Mastantuono operating on the right wing and academy graduate Gabri Valero starting on the left.
In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga partnered young midfielder Cestero in a double pivot, while Güler played in a more advanced attacking role behind Gonzalo. The defensive line featured Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back alongside Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras. Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin started between the posts, completing a lineup that combined established players with exciting prospects from the club’s future.
Only the opening thirty minutes of the match were broadcast live on Real Madrid TV, but they already revealed several tactical details. As expected, Mourinho deployed his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Camavinga and Cestero formed the midfield partnership, with each player performing a distinct role. Camavinga was the more dynamic of the two, constantly pressing opponents, carrying the ball forward, and covering large areas of the pitch. Cestero, meanwhile, stayed deeper, protecting the defense and helping the team build attacks from the back.
Arda Güler’s positioning was another major talking point. Rather than remaining fixed as a traditional attacking midfielder, the Turkish international enjoyed significant freedom to drift across the pitch. He frequently dropped deeper to receive possession, moved into wide areas, and linked up with the wingers. Mourinho appeared willing to allow Güler the creative freedom needed to influence the team’s attacking play, suggesting he could become one of the tactical focal points this season.
Real Madrid had an opportunity to take an early lead almost immediately. Just two minutes into the game, Franco Mastantuono won a penalty after an energetic run into the opposition penalty area. However, Güler was unable to convert from the spot, missing the resulting penalty. Despite the miss, the move highlighted Mastantuono’s aggressive style, determination, and willingness to press defenders high up the pitch, qualities that had already impressed during his first appearances under former coach Xabi Alonso.
‼️✖️ Arda Güler falla el primer penalti de la nueva era de Mou en el Real Madrid
— MARCA (@marca) July 24, 2026
💥 Pena máxima en los primeros minutos del primer test de la pretemporada blanca (ante el Alcorcón en Valdebebas)… y el turco falla desde los once metros
📹 @ricardofp_ucm pic.twitter.com/za5BjA4ylp
Beyond the missed penalty, several players delivered encouraging performances during the opening half hour. Camavinga looked particularly sharp physically, recovering possession on multiple occasions and driving Real Madrid forward with his powerful runs. Defensively, Los Blancos remained comfortable throughout the televised period, limiting Alcorcón’s attacking opportunities while maintaining control of possession and dictating the tempo of the match.
As the match continued behind closed doors beyond the live broadcast, supporters now await further information about the remainder of the friendly. Real Madrid TV is expected to release a highlights package showcasing the best moments and goals from the game. Although the result itself carries little importance at this stage of pre-season, the evening provided valuable insights into Mourinho’s tactical ideas, the integration of young talents, and the overall progress of the squad as preparations for the new season continue.
