Real Madrid 1-0 Alcorcón — A double pivot to kick off the pre-season
Mourinho’s new era starts with a 25-minute broadcast, a goal we didn’t get to watch, and a glimpse at what could be Real Madrid 2026/2027 system.
The wait finally ended with the first look at Mourinho’s second stint at Real Madrid. The excitement and anticipation were real, and so was the production around it — Realmadrid TV cameras, even a flying drone. Everyone was ready, even if it amounted to just a 25-minute glimpse of an incomplete squad against a Primera Federación side in a training match. Real Madrid and Alcorcón kicked off the 2026/2027 pre-season.
After reports pointed to a 4-3-3, Mourinho actually debuted with a familiar 4-2-3-1, with Cestero and Camavinga forming a double pivot that gave Arda Güler more freedom to roam in attack. With options limited, Mastantuono returned to the right-wing role Xabi Alonso trusted him with in so many games, Gonzalo spearheaded the attack, and a young Gabri Valero filled the position usually reserved for the absent Vinícius Jr.
Denied From The Spot
Inside the first two minutes, Mastantuono controlled a long ball, drove into the area, and was fouled. Penalty kick for the Merengues. Arda Güler took the responsibility, started his run, paused for a split second, and sent a low, adjusted shot to the right — but the goalkeeper produced an incredible save. It denied us the first goal of the pre-season, and it was the only real chance of the broadcast portion of the game.
The team pressed hard to win the ball back early on, though that intensity eased as the half wore on. Camavinga kept making his case to Mourinho by staying constantly active, moving into space immediately after every pass to receive it again. Güler showed he’s still the same irreverent player — demanding the ball, playing fast, unafraid to dribble or take the lead when needed.
A Goal We Didn’t See
There wasn’t much more before the hydration break ended the live broadcast and left us wanting more. Word later came of another penalty kick for Real Madrid at the 81’ mark, this one converted by Dani Yáñez, settling the final score at 1-0.
What’s Next
Even if just for a few minutes, we could still see players like Camavinga and Güler focused and determined. It was just a training match, but there’s plenty to enjoy: the team is back, Mourinho is at work, and the rest of the squad will soon join them. Next up is an actual friendly against Fiorentina at the Wörthersee Stadion (Klagenfurt, Austria), on August 1st, at 12:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CEST), broadcast live on Realmadrid TV. We’ll be waiting.
By The Numbers
Two penalty kicks across the match — one saved in the 3rd minute, one converted by Yáñez in the 81st — against a Primera Federación side. Only the first 25 minutes were actually broadcast live. Final score: Real Madrid 1-0 Alcorcón.
Hala Madrid. 🤍
