Real Madrid to face Schalke 04 in final preseason test
Real Madrid is set to conclude its preseason schedule with a match against Schalke 04 in Germany. This fixture marks the final test for the team before the start of the new season. The match will provide an opportunity for manager José Mourinho to finalize his starting lineup and integrate new players into the squad.
Several key players are returning for Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Thibaut Courtois are back in the squad. Additionally, Yan Diomandé has received his first call-up, alongside Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konaté.
Squad Updates and Player Returns
Yan Diomandé is expected to make his first appearance for Real Madrid. This match offers a chance to observe how quickly the Ivorian defender integrates with his teammates. His offensive contributions, particularly when potentially playing alongside Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, are also anticipated to be a point of interest.
For Mbappé, this will be his first friendly match of the summer after rejoining Mourinho’s plans. The return of these prominent players suggests Mourinho is preparing to field a stronger squad as the new season approaches.
However, some players will not be available for the match. Endrick will not travel to Germany, as the technical staff has opted for him to remain in Madrid for a special program aimed at injury prevention. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also out due to a severe thigh muscle strain. Long-term absentees include Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Raúl Asencio.
Tactical Preparations and Potential Lineups
The match against Schalke is significant as it is Real Madrid’s last preparatory game. Mourinho aims to give his players additional minutes, solidify the team’s formation, and further integrate new acquisitions into his system. This fixture could see the Portuguese coach experimenting with the defensive configuration he might use for the initial official match of the season.
The inclusion of Cucurella and Konaté has reportedly influenced Mourinho’s defensive considerations. Konaté is seen as a direct competitor for a center-back position alongside Dean Huijsen. On the right side of the defense, the competition between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, who has made a strong impression since his arrival, continues.
Real Madrid has played five preseason matches and remains undefeated under José Mourinho’s leadership. They have secured victories against Alcorcón and Leganés in closed-door matches, drawn with Fiorentina, and defeated Ferencváros and Deportivo La Coruña. The team has scored in all of its friendly matches to date.
Schalke enters the friendly with four wins from their six preseason contests. Their most recent result was a defeat to Atalanta. This match against Real Madrid is their final preseason fixture before they focus on the DFB-Pokal.
The match is scheduled for Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, at the VELTINS Arena. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 4 p.m. BST.
One predicted lineup for Real Madrid against Schalke is (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Silva, Valverde; Díaz, Güler, Vinícius Jr; Espi. For Schalke, a predicted lineup is (4-2-3-1): Karius; Becker, Katić, Kuruçay, Gosens; Schallenberg, Tanaka, Grüger; Porath, Džeko, Karaman. Schalke is largely operating with a full squad, with Miron Muslić only missing Adrian Gantenbein due to a right ankle injury.
Source: goal.com
