Schalke 0-3 Real Madrid: Five key takeaways from pre-season friendly

Los Blancos outclass the Royal Blues with ease!

Led by Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid travelled away to VELTINS-Arena for a club friendly contest against the Bundesliga side, FC Schalke 04. This contest ended in favour of Los Blancos, but both clubs ended up with crucial learnings from the outcome.

Los Blancos continue their undefeated pre-season run. This was their fifth club friendly ahead of the new season and fourth win. A win against the Bundesliga club will be a big confidence booster for Jose Mourinho’s men. With all of the big names back in the squad, Real Madrid quite easily controlled the game and did not allow many chances to the hosts.

FC Schalke 04 still have a lot to figure out ahead of the new season. Their defence was always on the edge with Los Blancos’ attack in action. The Royal Blues lacked intensity and failed to score a goal.

Also Read: Arsenal 3-0 Manchester City: Five key takeaways from FA Community Shield 2026 final

Important things we learned from Schalke vs Real Madrid:

1. Mbappe continues rich vein of form

Kylian Mbappe made an appearance for Real Madrid for the first time since his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with France. It only took six minutes, and with the help of a defensive error from Schalke, Mbappe scored the opening goal for Los Blancos. The Frenchman is looking ready for another big season. He looked sharp throughout his time on the field.

2. Schalke’s underwhelming defence

Due to an early error by FC Schalke’s defence, Real Madrid were ahead by a goal in just six minutes. They conceded the second goal after Los Blancos were awarded a corner in the 20th minute. Dean Huijsen came up with a sharp header to double the lead. Schalke failed to stop Madrid’s attack for the third time when Carlos Espi came up with a header in the 57th minute.

3. Real Madrid’s control of tempo

The Jose Mourinho-led side quite easily controlled the tempo of the game against the Bundesliga side. They set the tone from the very start. Real Madrid scored two goals within 20 minutes. Their rapid pressing and sharp combination play troubled Schalke’s high line early on.

4. Defensive stability for Los Blancos

The duo of Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate did very well in the backline for Real Madrid. They did not allow any ball past them. The defensive stability was long due for Los Blancos. They struggled with their poor performances in the backline in the last two seasons, but things are finally looking in place for them.

5. Arda Guler a complete midfield engine

Arda Guler continues to impress in the midfield and the final third for Real Madrid. He is currently the most valuable attacking midfielder in the world. The young Turkish star came up with a sensational delivery in the 20th minute to Dean Huijsen, which doubled the lead for Real Madrid. Guler will play an important role under Jose Mourinho in the upcoming season.

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