Mourinho’s second Real Madrid debut: The promising signs and early flaws revealed in Fiorentina draw

No preseason conclusion can be considered definitive, especially at this stage of the summer, with half the squad still on vacation. The goal is simply to make a good first impression, to show signs that the team is heading in the right direction.

Real Madrid’s opening friendly offered a mixed picture. There was a clear desire to improve, more intensity in the press for stretches and some worrying moments of collapse at others. The team ended the night without a victory, but defeats at this stage are not especially painful. At Real Madrid, however, every detail is analyzed.

The match also marked debuts for Denzel Dumfries, who looked comfortable without either disappointing or dazzling, and Carlos Espí. Trent Alexander-Arnold looked much improved, particularly with the ball at his feet. Arda Güler produced several flashes of quality, while Endrick appeared overly eager. That energy helped him score, but his desperation to impress also affected his overall performance.

Mourinho begins his evaluation process

José Mourinho is currently in an observation phase, separating the players who can contribute from those who may not, testing academy prospects and trying to remove the psychological scars left by two trophyless seasons.

Ninety minutes are nowhere near enough to make definitive decisions.

The squad is incomplete, players are still building fitness and tactical connections are not fully developed, but Mourinho’s plan is already becoming visible. The Portuguese coach is trying to find a system that allows Real Madrid’s attacking stars to coexist, with a 4-2-3-1 that was adjusted into a 3-4-2-1 shape at times.

The objective is clear: create a structure that can accommodate the full attacking constellation of Yan Diomande (if he signs), Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

That kind of attacking power will require a defense capable of providing stability.

For now, Mourinho is working with what he has. Seven first-team players and four academy players started against Fiorentina in Madrid’s first summer friendly. Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde controlled midfield, Güler operated between the lines, Trent played a hybrid role between third center back and third midfielder, and Dumfries pushed forward aggressively from right back.

That attacking instinct is no coincidence. The Dutch defender appears much more comfortable in the opponent’s half than his own.

Two young center backs with Madrid and Spain youth experience remain under evaluation: 18-year-old Joan Martínez and 19-year-old Mario Rivas, the son of former Getafe, Real Betis and Levante defender Nano Rivas.

Endrick makes his case

The match was also an important test for Endrick, especially with new signing Carlos Espí waiting for his opportunity.

Endrick had just returned from his loan spell at Lyon and wasted no time making an impact. A long pass from Güler found Álvaro Carreras, whose low cross created the chance. Endrick controlled quickly and finished with a left-footed shot on the turn to give Madrid the lead.

It was the kind of moment that catches attention.

Throughout the match, though, Endrick lacked precision and showed too much urgency. His hunger was obvious, but it sometimes worked against him.

Madrid’s pressing shows promise

By that point, Madrid had managed to contain Fiorentina’s early momentum and had started to show more commitment to a high press and quick recoveries.

It is an old demand from the supporters and a sign of modern football. The idea is to win the ball as close to the opponent’s goal as possible and immediately create chances. It is not simply a trend, but a necessity.

Madrid’s commitment to that approach was rewarded with a second goal. A high recovery in midfield led to Camavinga driving forward. His cross-field pass found Güler, whose clever movement created space for Alexis Ciria. The academy player took advantage, cutting inside and firing a low shot that left David de Gea helpless.

Ciria embraced the opportunity with confidence and creativity.

Madrid appeared in control, helped by Valverde’s authority and Trent’s unusual triple role as a near full back, center back and midfielder. He is an extremely creative player, although his defensive responsibilities remain a question mark.

Fiorentina, who are also beginning a new project under Fabio Grosso, looked content to play the role of sparring partner. The Italian side sat deep, struggled to escape pressure and spent long periods without the ball.

Then came a surprise.

Just before halftime, Roberto Piccoli scored after a run that Mario Rivas failed to anticipate. The goal changed the mood of the match.

Fiorentina turns the game around

The second half began even more dramatically.

Fiorentina immediately took control and created three clear chances within six minutes, including one for Albert Gudmundsson that narrowly missed the target.

Madrid looked unusually disorganized.

The Italian pressure was relentless, with Fiorentina repeatedly entering the penalty area before eventually finding the equalizer. Two substitutes who are expected to play major roles this season combined for the goal: Nicolò Fagioli accelerated down the left and delivered a dangerous cross, which Moise Kean headed into the far corner ahead of Rivas.

After spending much of the first half defending, Grosso’s team responded with an aggressive and effective high press of its own.

The match no longer resembled a friendly. Players competed for every inch of the field, with frequent fouls and stoppages. Nobody was willing to give away the result, even in a preseason test.

Carlos Espí makes his debut

Carlos Espí made his debut with 15 minutes remaining. The young striker is expected to provide another option, offering height and a finishing threat in emergency situations.

He almost made the perfect start, but missed the chance to score what would have been the winning goal.

By then, however, the match had lost much of its intensity. Fiorentina appeared satisfied with the draw, while Madrid no longer had enough energy for another push.

The team will have another chance to improve next Saturday, when Hungarian team Ferencváros provides the next preseason challenge.

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