Real Madrid: first preseason test as Alonso begins shaping a new-look squad

This closed-door friendly, played without fans in attendance, will serve as Real Madrid’s opening match of the summer preparations.

For Los Blancos, the focus is not on immediate results but on rebuilding match fitness after a demanding summer period. Many players have only recently returned following their World Cup commitments, meaning the strongest possible XI is unlikely to start. The coaching staff’s priority will be to gradually increase intensity, evaluate the physical condition of the squad, and give opportunities to promising young players. Arda Güler has already returned to training and is among those expected to feature against Leganés.

The spotlight will also be on Real Madrid’s summer arrivals. These early friendlies provide the perfect environment for new signings to adapt to the club’s tactical demands, develop chemistry with teammates, and test different formations before competitive action begins. The first signs of the team’s new identity often appear during matches like this.

Leganés: more match-ready after a busy preseason schedule

Leganés arrive in a completely different situation. While Real Madrid are only starting their preparations, Rubén Albés’s side are already entering their fifth preseason fixture, giving them a potential advantage in terms of rhythm and sharpness.

The visitors have been using their summer schedule to implement a new tactical approach and improve their physical condition ahead of the new campaign. Their confidence received a boost in their latest outing, when they secured their first preseason victory by defeating Portuguese side Penafiel.

Although this is only a friendly, the match should still offer plenty of intrigue. Leganés will look to take advantage of Real Madrid’s early stage of preparation, while Los Blancos will aim to control possession, maintain a high tempo, and assess the strength of their squad depth. For Madrid’s young players, it represents an important opportunity to convince the coaching staff that they can contribute during the season.

Ultimately, the final score will not be the main storyline. The key questions will be how quickly Real Madrid’s new-look squad adapts, which tactical ideas begin to take shape, and which individuals stand out during the opening stages of preseason. Nevertheless, Madrid’s competitive mentality rarely disappears, even in warm-up matches, so an open and entertaining contest is expected.

This fixture marks only the beginning of Real Madrid’s long summer schedule, with further tests against opponents such as Fiorentina to follow. The match on July 28 will provide the first glimpse of how Los Blancos could look ahead of the 2026/27 season.

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