Real Madrid Dominates Schalke in Final Pre-Season Match

Real Madrid concluded their pre-season with a decisive 3-0 victory against Schalke, featuring standout performances from Kylian Mbappe and debutant Yan Diomande. Manager Jose Mourinho remains unbeaten in pre-season, highlighting the team's growth and the integration of new signings. As they gear up for their La Liga opener against Espanyol, the squad is focused on building chemistry and maintaining high intensity in training. This match served as a crucial step in their preparation, with players eager to find their rhythm ahead of the competitive season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 11:11 IST

Real Madrid's Impressive Pre-Season Finale

Gelsenkirchen [Germany], August 17: In a commanding performance, Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory against Schalke in their last pre-season friendly, with Kylian Mbappe finding the net and new recruit Yan Diomande making his debut.

Following this win, manager Jose Mourinho remains unbeaten in pre-season, having led the team to four victories as they prepare for their La Liga opener against Espanyol next Saturday, according to reports from a sports media outlet.

Mbappe opened the scoring just five minutes into the match, capitalizing on a defensive blunder by Schalke. Huijsen extended the lead with a header 15 minutes later, and substitute Espi sealed the win in the second half.

New signings Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva started the match, while Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Espi, and Diomande began on the bench.

Mourinho expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "It was positive as a team, and positive individually." He noted the varying levels of intensity among players, with some having joined later and thus lacking the same rhythm as those who began training earlier.

He added, "There is a difference in rhythm, intensity, and stamina, but tactically, the ideas are gradually taking shape."

Real Madrid made four substitutions at halftime, bringing on Andriy Lunin, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga, and Espi, while Diomande and Cucurella entered the game after an hour. Jude Bellingham, who joined the squad recently, also got some playing time.

Cucurella shared his excitement, saying, "I am very happy. I think it was a good game from everyone, and it is our last result before starting the league. These are my first minutes. It was a long wait, and I am eager to find my rhythm and begin the league."

Regarding the new players, Mourinho commented, "At this point, it’s challenging to discuss individuals because we are evolving as a team. We have many good players, and from their collective effort, we aim to build a strong team."

He concluded, "It’s not easy to adapt to the high intensity we are working on, especially with double training sessions in the heat."