Budapest hosts Real Madrid and Ferencváros in pre-season friendly
Real Madrid is set to face Ferencváros in a pre-season friendly match at the Groupama Arena in Budapest, Hungary. This fixture is a significant part of José Mourinho’s summer preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The match marks the first time Real Madrid will play at Ferencváros’ home ground.
The Spanish club is gradually intensifying its pre-season schedule. Prior to this match, Real Madrid secured two victories against Alcorcon and Leganés. They then played to a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina. The encounter with Ferencváros is intended to further enhance the team’s rhythm and preparation.
Squad and Preparation Details
José Mourinho has announced the squad for the friendly, which includes both established players and young talents. Key players such as Antonio Rüdiger, Bernardo Silva, Vinicius Junior, and Brahim Diaz are part of the team. New signings Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva are also expected to feature, aiming to build rhythm ahead of the new season. Other notable players like Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are also in the squad.
The squad list includes:
- Goalkeepers: Lunin, Sergio Mestre, Javi Navarro.
- Defenders: Trent, Álvaro Carreras, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Dumfries, Joan Martínez, Lamini, Mario Rivas.
- Midfielders: Camavinga, Valverde, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Cestero, Lacosta, Alexis Ciria.
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Brahim, Endrick, Carlos Espí, Daniel Yáñez.
Young talents like Javi Navarro, who previously impressed in the Youth League, have been called up to the first team again. Dean Huijsen is also returning to the squad after missing the previous match. This match provides Mourinho with an opportunity to assess player combinations, integrate new arrivals, and increase match fitness across the squad.
While several international players have not yet rejoined the team at Valdebebas, their return is anticipated soon. Players such as Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are expected to arrive in the Spanish capital on Monday. These pre-season fixtures are crucial for players to accumulate playing time and regain automatic plays before the start of the new La Liga season, which is scheduled to begin on August 22 for Real Madrid against Espanyol Barcelona.
Ferencváros’ Challenge and Upcoming Fixtures
Ferencváros, the Hungarian champions, will welcome the chance to compete against a high-profile club like Real Madrid in front of their home supporters. Having already commenced their domestic and European commitments, Ferencváros is expected to possess greater match sharpness. They have made a strong start to their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign and will aim to leverage that momentum against elite opposition.
Although it is a friendly, the match holds considerable interest. Ferencváros is likely to adopt an organised defensive strategy, looking to frustrate Real Madrid and create opportunities through counter-attacks. Real Madrid, on the other hand, is expected to control possession and continue to refine Mourinho’s tactical approach. The game also offers valuable playing time for individuals vying for starting positions.
The atmosphere at Groupama Arena is anticipated to be vibrant, resembling a competitive European night due to the expected full attendance. For Ferencváros, this fixture is a rare opportunity to test their capabilities against a globally recognised football club. For Real Madrid, it represents another vital step in their comprehensive preparation for the challenges of the 2026-27 season.
Following this match, Real Madrid’s busy schedule continues with a game against Deportivo La Coruña on August 12, followed by another fixture against Schalke 04 a few days later. Fans in India can watch the Ferencváros vs Real Madrid friendly live on Real Madrid TV and RM Play, the club’s official streaming platforms, which have confirmed live broadcasts from Groupama Arena, Budapest.
Source: bbc.co.uk
