Real Madrid closed out their summer preparations with a polished 3-0 victory over Schalke 04 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, finishing the preseason without a single defeat. Under new head coach José Mourinho, the Spanish giants showed a level of cohesion that belied the shortened schedule forced by the World Cup's late finish.
The first half was a masterclass in pressing and quick transitions. Kylian Mbappé, fresh off a World Cup where he finished as top scorer with ten goals, needed just five minutes to open the scoring. He pounced on a defensive error caused by Madrid's high press, slotting the ball home with his trademark composure. The French forward's early strike set the tone for a dominant display.
Madrid doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Dean Huijsen rose highest to head in a corner, with Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva pulling the strings in midfield. The duo's creativity kept Schalke pinned back, and the German side struggled to find any rhythm against Madrid's relentless pressure.
Second-half control and debutants
The second half followed a similar script. Madrid maintained possession and continued to create chances, with academy product Carlos Espí adding a third in the 57th minute. Espí, who had already scored the winner against Ferencváros earlier in the tour, met a precise cross from Álvaro Carreras with a firm header to make it 3-0. His goal capped a strong preseason for the young forward.
The match also marked the official debuts of summer signings Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande, both of whom came on as substitutes. The duo showed glimpses of what they can bring to the squad, with Cucurella's energy on the left and Diomande's composure in midfield. Later substitutions brought Jude Bellingham, Denzel Dumfries, and Vinícius Jr. into the action, giving Mourinho a chance to see his full squad in game conditions.
Mourinho, who took over the reins this summer, has been working to integrate a mix of established stars and new arrivals. The unbeaten preseason is a positive sign, but the Portuguese manager knows the real tests begin now. "We are still building, but the attitude has been right," he said after the match. "The players are buying into the system, and that's what matters at this stage."
Real Madrid will now turn their attention to the LaLiga opener this Saturday, when they visit Espanyol in Barcelona. The match will be the first official test of Mourinho's project, and fans will be eager to see if the team can carry their preseason form into competitive action. With a squad that blends youth and experience, Madrid look poised to challenge on multiple fronts, including the Champions League.
For Latino fans, the presence of players like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo adds an extra layer of interest. Vinícius, who came on as a substitute against Schalke, will be key to Madrid's attacking threat this season. His partnership with Mbappé and Bellingham could be one of the most exciting in Europe.
As the season approaches, Madrid's roster remains a topic of discussion. The club has been linked with moves for several players, and the squad could see more changes before the transfer deadline. Meanwhile, the team's early form under Mourinho has already drawn comparisons to his first stint at the club, when he broke Barcelona's dominance in LaLiga.
For now, the focus is on Espanyol. A strong start could set the tone for a season that promises to be both challenging and rewarding. With the preseason behind them, Real Madrid are ready to write the next chapter.
