Budapest to host Real Madrid and Ferencváros in pre-season friendly
Real Madrid is set to face Ferencváros in a pre-season friendly at the Groupama Arena in Budapest, Hungary. This match is part of Real Madrid‘s preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with manager José Mourinho continuing to refine his team’s tactics and integrate new players.
The fixture marks the first time Real Madrid will play at Ferencváros‘ home ground. The game is considered an important part of Mourinho‘s summer schedule as the club aims to build rhythm and match fitness before the competitive season begins.
Squad Preparations and Player Integration
Real Madrid‘s preparation program has been intensifying, with the team having already played several matches. They secured two victories against Alcorcon and Leganés, and then drew 2-2 with Fiorentina. The match against Ferencváros represents another step in strengthening the team, with a busy schedule ahead that includes games against Deportivo La Coruña on August 12 and Schalke 04 shortly after.
While some international players are yet to return to Valdebebas, key figures like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are expected back in the Spanish capital soon. The squad for the Ferencváros match includes both established players and young talents.
New signings such as Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva are among those who could feature. Other prominent players like Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler are also looking to build their match fitness. Mourinho is using these matches to assess various player combinations and integrate new arrivals into the team structure.
Several young players have been called up by José Mourinho for this friendly. Among them is Javi Navarro, who previously impressed in the Youth League. Dean Huijsen, who missed the previous match, is also returning to the squad. Established players like Antonio Rüdiger, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Bernardo Silva are also part of the team.
The full squad list for Real Madrid includes:
- Goalkeepers: Lunin, Sergio Mestre, Javi Navarro.
- Defenders: Trent, Álvaro Carreras, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Dumfries, Joan Martínez, Lamini, Mario Rivas.
- Midfielders: Camavinga, Valverde, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Cestero, Lacosta, Alexis Ciria.
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Brahim, Endrick, Carlos Espí, Daniel Yáñez.
Ferencváros’ Opportunity and Match Dynamics
For Ferencváros, the Hungarian champions, this friendly offers a chance to test their capabilities against one of Europe’s most successful clubs. Having already commenced their domestic and European commitments, Ferencváros is expected to have greater match sharpness. They have also made a strong start to their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign, and will aim to leverage that momentum against their elite opposition.
Despite being a friendly, the match is anticipated to be engaging. Ferencváros is likely to employ an organised defensive strategy to counter Real Madrid‘s expected dominance in possession, looking for opportunities to attack on the counter. The game will also provide valuable playing time for players on both sides who are competing for starting positions ahead of the new La Liga season.
A packed Groupama Arena is expected to create an atmosphere resembling a competitive European fixture. This encounter serves as a crucial step for Real Madrid in their preparation for the 2026-27 season.
Source: bbc.co.uk
