Real Madrid ended its preseason on a high note. José Mourinho’s side defeated Schalke 04 3-0 at the VELTINS-Arena in an international friendly that celebrated the 25th anniversary of the German club’s stadium while also serving as Los Blancos’ final test before the start of LaLiga.

Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Dean Huijsen, and Carlos Espí sealed a match in which Real Madrid displayed organization, pace, and clinical finishing.

Mbappé Punishes Schalke Early

Real Madrid’s game plan became clear from the opening minutes. Schalke 04 tried to press high up the pitch, but that approach left huge spaces behind its defensive line, which Los Blancos immediately exploited.

In just the fifth minute, a mistake by the German side while playing out from the back left Kylian Mbappé completely alone against Loris Karius. The Frenchman made no mistake, calmly finishing to open the scoring.

Mbappé continued to be a nightmare for the hosts. He first came close to a second goal with a shot across goal before producing a spectacular individual run that forced Karius into another intervention.

The second goal eventually arrived in the 19th minute. Arda Güler delivered a corner into the box, and Dean Huijsen rose above the defense to head home for a 2-0 advantage.

Mourinho’s Real Madrid Shows Organization and Speed

Beyond the goals, one of the biggest positives for José Mourinho was his team’s overall performance. Real Madrid looked compact defensively and was particularly dangerous whenever it regained possession.

Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé constantly exploited the available spaces, while Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler looked to break defensive lines with through balls.

In the second half, Mourinho began rotating his squad. Andriy Lunin replaced Thibaut Courtois and immediately responded with an important save to deny Timo Becker.

However, the decisive blow arrived in the 56th minute. Álvaro Carreras pushed forward and delivered a cross that Carlos Espí converted to make it 3-0. The striker once again delivered when given an opportunity and continues to make his case as an intriguing option in Real Madrid’s new project.

There were also minutes for Yan Diomande, who made his debut, and Marc Cucurella, fresh from becoming a world champion with Spain.

One Final Test Passed Before LaLiga

Schalke 04 enjoyed more possession during stretches of the closing stages and pushed hard for a consolation goal, but the German side never managed to break through Real Madrid’s defensive structure.

A fourth goal nearly arrived in the 89th minute. Carlos Espí combined with Jude Bellingham before laying the ball off to Alexis Ciria, who somehow sent his effort into the stands with the goal virtually at his mercy.

The scoreline did not change.

Real Madrid leaves Germany with an emphatic 3-0 victory and, more importantly, plenty of positive signs. The final rehearsal is over, and now the matches that truly matter are about to begin.

José Mourinho’s Real Madrid looks ready for LaLiga.

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