Schalke vs Real Madrid Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | Pre-Season Friendly

Schalke managed to defeat Real Madrid during their last meeting!

As the 2026-27 European football season kicks off in just a few days, clubs across the continent have begun preparing to achieve their objectives in the upcoming campaign. We have seen many teams play friendlies so players can regain match fitness and managers can test new tactics and try out new players. One such encounter will be played between Schalke 04 and Real Madrid.

The game will be played at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Schalke 04 will be the home side in this encounter and will look to make the most of this situation. It will be a great opportunity for Miron Muslić to test out his tactics and players against one of the best teams in the world. Schalke 04 won Germany’s second division and secured automatic promotion to the Bundesliga for the 2026-27 season.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have gone through many changes throughout the transfer window. They appointed José Mourinho as their head coach and signed players like Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espí, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté. Real Madrid have gone trophyless in the last two seasons and are under pressure to win silverware during the upcoming campaign.

Kick-off:

• Location: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• Stadium: VELTINS-Arena
• Date and Kick-off time: August 16 – 08:30 pm IST, 03:00 pm GMT, 11:00 am ET, 08:00 am PT
• Referee: Not decided
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Schalke 04 (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Real Madrid (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Junior Adamu (Schalke)

Junior Adamu signed with Schalke 04 last month and has made an immediate impact. He has scored two goals in their last three games and will play a crucial role for Schalke 04 against Real Madrid. He has the pace to be effective in transitions. He is also known for his smart movement in the opposition box. Adamu is also hard-working off the ball and presses from the front.

Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)

Vinícius Jr. is amongst the best attackers in world football right now. He recently renewed his contract with Real Madrid and will be eager to perform at his best level. The Brazilian international is one of the most effective dribblers in one-on-one situations. His blistering pace and agility make it nearly impossible for any defender to get the better of him.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 4-3 win for Schalke 04.
• Schalke 04 lost 3-0 against Atalanta in their last game.
• Real Madrid won 1-0 against Deportivo in their last game.

Betting Odds & Tips:

• Real Madrid to win – 1.59 by Stake
• Both teams to score – 1.43 by 1XBET
• Goals over 3.5 – 1.66 by Stake

Injury and Team News:

Adrian Gantenbein will be the only absentee for the home side.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Thiago Pitarch and Raúl Asencio.

Head-to-Head:

Total matches: 4

Schalke 04 won: 1

Real Madrid won: 3

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups:

Schalke 04 (4-2-3-1)

Karius (GK); Becker, Ayhan, Kurucay, Becker; El-Faouzi, Tanaka; Ebimbe, Karaman, Aouchiche; Adamu

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Lunin (GK); Dumfries, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Silva, Camavinga; Diaz, Guler, Vinícius Jr; Endrick

Match Prediction:

Real Madrid are clearly the favourites coming into this game. They have a better squad than Schalke 04. Therefore, our prediction for the game will be,

Prediction: Schalke 04 1-3 Real Madrid

Telecast details:

Germany: DAZN

Spain: RM Play

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