Real Madrid 4-1 Leganes: Starting XI and Goalscorers

Real Madrid opened their preseason campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over recently relegated Leganés in a closed-door friendly match held at the Valdebebas training ground on Friday morning. Although the match was not publicized by either club, it offered a valuable opportunity for coach Xabi Alonso to assess his squad ahead of the official preseason fixture against Tirol scheduled for August 12 in Austria.

This friendly also marked a significant moment for the team with the debut of Álvaro Carreras in a Real Madrid shirt. The young defender made a confident impression as he integrated smoothly into the lineup, signaling the club’s faith in their promising academy talent.

Another highlight of the day was the triumphant return of Dani Carvajal. The experienced right-back, who has been sidelined for 10 months due to a serious knee injury involving the ACL, LCL, and popliteal tendon, captained the side and showed encouraging signs of fitness and leadership. His presence on the pitch was a boost for Real Madrid’s defensive stability.

Real Madrid also gave playing time to Castilla players Thiago Pitarch and Daniel Yáñez, showcasing their strategy of blending youth with experience as the club prepares for the demanding season ahead. Both players made notable contributions, helping to maintain the intensity of the match.

Notably absent from the matchday squad were Franco Mastantuono, who remains ineligible to train with the senior team until he turns 18 on August 14, as well as Jude Bellingham and Endrick, both still undergoing recovery from injuries. Their absences underscore the ongoing management of player fitness during the preseason.

The starting lineup for Real Madrid featured key names including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defenders Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Carreras, and Asencio, midfielders Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Vinícius Jr., as well as forwards Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé. This mix of youth and experience reflected the coach’s intent to experiment with combinations while building team chemistry.

The scoring was led by an impressive performance from midfielders and defenders alike. Goals came from Díaz, Huijsen, Militao, and the Castilla player Thiago Pitarch, with the latter’s goal highlighting the potential of Real Madrid’s young talents pushing for first-team opportunities.

This friendly also saw Rodrygo wearing an Adidas kit, amidst speculation about his future at the club. Despite external rumors, the forward seemed focused on delivering strong performances to secure his place in the squad.

The 4-1 win not only boosted the morale of the team but also gave Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff valuable insights into player form and tactical options. With the official preseason kicking off soon, Real Madrid will be looking to build on this positive start as they prepare to challenge for major honors this coming season.

Fans and followers of the club will be eager to see how the squad develops in the coming weeks and who will emerge as key contributors in both attack and defense. The return of veterans like Carvajal and the integration of promising youth will play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s ambitions.