Mourinho deploys 4-2-3-1 formation in Real Madrid’s first friendly
Real Madrid commenced their pre-season schedule with a friendly match against Alcorcón, featuring a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach José Mourinho. The match, played at the “Alfredo Di Stefano” stadium, concluded with a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid.
The starting lineup for Real Madrid included Lunin in goal, with Alexander-Arnold at right-back, Huijsen and Asencio as center-backs, and Carreras on the left flank. In midfield, Camavinga and Cestero anchored the line, while Güler operated as the number 10 behind striker Gonzalo. Valero and Mastantuono were deployed on the wings. Notably, Fede Valverde, who had recently returned to training, watched the match from the stands alongside Eder Militao and Rodrygo.
The game’s initial moments saw early action. Just 51 seconds into the match, Mastantuono earned a penalty for Real Madrid after a run down the right wing. Güler took the spot-kick, but the Alcorcón goalkeeper saved his shot, keeping the score level. The first half ended goalless, characterized by a tactical approach focused on organization and high pressing.
Mourinho’s Return and Pre-season Work
José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid marks his second spell with the club, a move that gained public attention during the recent presidential election campaign. An advertisement featuring Mourinho alongside the slogan “Florentino Perez 2026” appeared on June 3, preceding his official announcement. Five days later, after Florentino Perez‘s re-election, Mourinho confirmed his return from Benfica.
Despite his visible role in the election campaign, Mourinho has not yet had a formal presentation or introductory press conference, which is customary for high-profile appointments at Real Madrid. Sources close to Mourinho suggested that a presentation might not occur, and club sources indicate the situation remains unresolved.
Mourinho and his coaching staff have been working at the Valdebebas training ground for two weeks. Information regarding the start of his second tenure has largely come from the club or Mourinho’s social media activity. A blurred selfie posted by Mourinho on July 10 garnered significant attention from Madrid supporters, attracting over 27,500 comments, more than any of his other recent Instagram posts.
Following Mourinho’s selfie, Real Madrid uploaded a gallery featuring the Portuguese coach with his backroom staff. This included assistant coach Joao Tralhao, technical assistant Sami Khedira, head analyst Roberto Merella, and fitness coaches Antonio Silva and Antonio Pintus. A short video interview accompanied the gallery, in which Mourinho stated, “Words aren’t enough, because this feels like a mission. This isn’t about me or whether I win more or less. I’m here to help everybody become better.”
Mourinho’s first on-pitch training session took place on July 13. At that time, 14 first-team squad members were still away due to their participation in the World Cup finals in North America. Mourinho had been closely following the tournament, as evidenced by an Instagram post showing his coaching staff at Valdebebas, with Mourinho watching Spain‘s 2-0 World Cup semi-final win against France.
Among the players in that World Cup match was Marc Cucurella, a player highly regarded by Mourinho’s staff, who were instrumental in Real Madrid’s move to sign the full-back from Chelsea this summer. Training sessions at Valdebebas have been described as high-tempo, often featuring double training days and a strong emphasis on strength and conditioning. Mourinho has been observed leading drills and providing instructions with a notebook in hand.
Valverde, after Uruguay‘s group-stage exit from the World Cup, gradually returned to training. Images from his first day back, which coincided with his 28th birthday, showed him embracing Mourinho. This reinforced the message that despite previous issues, Valverde remains a key figure and is in line to become Real Madrid’s next captain following the departure of Dani Carvajal.
Second Half and Match Outcome
The friendly match’s first 25 minutes were open to the press, during which Real Madrid missed the penalty created by Mastantuono. After the 20th minute, a media blackout was enforced, with the press leaving the stadium and the live broadcast on the club’s official channel being cut. Despite the missed penalty, Güler displayed a dynamic performance in playmaking and set-pieces, while Mastantuono continued to lead dangerous attacks.
With the score still goalless by the 70th minute, Mourinho made wholesale changes, substituting all first-team players for academy players from “La Fabrica.” The decisive moment arrived with a second penalty, which Yanez converted. Despite protests from Alcorcón‘s coaching staff regarding the referee’s decision, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory in their first pre-season friendly.
Mourinho, observed in a pink training kit with greying hair, appeared calm and composed during the match, only leaving the bench once in the first 20 minutes to give instructions. His social media activity continues to offer insights into the early days of his second spell.
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Source: managingmadrid.com
