More and more first-team faces are returning to the fold as Real Madrid build toward the new season. The squad travelled to Budapest to face European regulars Ferencváros at the Groupama Arena, with Joan Martínez and Mario Rivas again starting out of the Castilla ranks and several returning senior players introduced from the bench.
How it played out
The game had a familiar rhythm to Real Madrid’s previous friendly against Fiorentina, with several passages of combination play clearly drilled on the training ground, and some standout contributions from less-heralded names. Madrid dominated the opening half, controlling possession and pinning Ferencváros back for long spells, and the pressure eventually told: Alexis Ciria supplied a lovely delivery for Mario Rivas to head home low into the net and open the scoring.
The second half brought more entertainment. Carlos Espí doubled Madrid’s lead with his first goal in a Real Madrid shirt, latching onto a clever Fede Valverde pass through midfield before slotting home coolly. Ferencváros responded with a much stronger second-half showing, and pulled a goal back through Kenan Kodro after finding space in behind the Madrid defense. The hosts pushed for an equalizer late on and had two decent chances to find one, but Madrid saw the game out to close it at 2-1.
The lineup
Real Madrid lined up with Andriy Lunin in goal; Denzel Dumfries, Mario Rivas, Joan Martínez, and Álvaro Carreras across the back; Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde anchoring midfield; Arda Güler, Alexis Ciria, and Brahim Díaz further forward; and Endrick leading the line. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Bernardo Silva, and Vinícius Júnior were among those introduced from the bench as they continue working back into full training. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Thibaut Courtois remain unavailable at this stage of preseason.
RMxtra Verdict
Two wins from two preseason outings, with goals now coming from both academy graduates and Mourinho’s new signings, is a promising early sign. With more of the first-choice group working their way back into the squad, Wednesday’s friendly against Deportivo should offer a clearer look at how this Real Madrid side is starting to take shape.
