Real Madrid Opens Second Preseason Friendly Against Leganes Under Mourinho's Watch

Real Madrid faces second-tier side Leganes in a behind-closed-doors preseason friendly at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, with newly appointed captain Fede Valverde set to make his first appearance of the summer. The match represents Jose Mourinho's second test in his return to the Spanish capital, following last week's penalty-secured victory over Alcorcon.

Match Details and Broadcasting

The friendly kicks off at noon Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Pacific Time) but will operate under Madrid's unconventional preseason format. Only the opening 20 minutes will be broadcast before the feed terminates, mirroring the structure applied to the previous week's outing. Media access will be similarly restricted to the same 20-minute window. Real Madrid has provided no traditional broadcast arrangement for the match, though live updates may be available through the club's official social media channels, with highlights potentially released later on RM Play.

Lineup and Squad Availability

Valverde's return addresses a significant personnel concern for Mourinho, who continues to manage squad limitations caused by World Cup commitments. Approximately 10 first-team players are expected to feature in the starting XI. Andriy Lunin will occupy the goalkeeper position, with a back four comprising Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras. The midfield pairing will feature Eduardo Camavinga and Valverde, while Franco Mastantuono operates on the right wing and Arda Guler functions as the attacking playmaker. Gonzalo Garcia leads the strike force, with an academy player likely occupying the left wing position.

Madrid's academy players demonstrated decisive impact in the Alcorcon match, entering the field when the score remained level at 0-0 and ultimately securing the winning goal through Daniel Yanez in the 81st minute. This dynamic underscores the depth challenges Mourinho faces during the early preseason phase.

Mourinho's Return and Madrid's Objectives

Mourinho's appointment marks his second tenure at the club following his original spell when he dismantled Pep Guardiola's dominant Barcelona. Real Madrid has finished second to Hansi Flick's Barcelona in consecutive seasons while failing to reach the Champions League semifinals, objectives Mourinho will be tasked with reversing. Three additional friendlies remain before the La Liga season commences, including matches against Fiorentina on August 1, Ferencvaros the following weekend, and Deportivo A Coruna on August 12.