Drooid Logo
Back to story perspectives

Full Breakdown

Real Madrid Edge Ferencvaros 2-1 in Budapest Preseason Friendly

8/9/2026, 4:45:08 AM

Core Match Details

Real Madrid defeated Ferencvaros 2–1 at the Groupama Arena in Budapest on Saturday. Castilla centre-back Mario Rivas opened the scoring with a diving header in the 41st minute, and Carlos Espí added a second eight minutes later. Ferencvaros’ Kenan Kodro pulled one back just before the hour-mark, and the score held until the final whistle.

Background & Context

The match was the second stop on José Mourinho’s early-season itinerary after a 2–2 draw with Fiorentina in Austria. Madrid’s preseason this summer has included home fixtures against Alcorcón and Leganés, a tour of Central Europe, and a forthcoming leg in Germany. The club entered the Budapest game with six first-team signings already confirmed, including defender Yan Diomandé, while Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Marc Cucurella and Aurélien Tchouaméni remained unavailable after World Cup duties. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continued his thigh-injury recovery, leaving Andriy Lunin as the likely starter.

Lineups & Player Availability

Real Madrid fielded a mixed lineup of senior squad members and Castilla prospects. In defence, Mario Rivas and Joan Martínez partnered Denzel Dumfries, while Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga anchored the midfield double pivot. Academy products Alexis Ciria, Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz featured alongside new signing Carlos Espí. Bernardo Silva entered at halftime, initially in a deeper role before being shifted to the No. 10 position. Ferencvaros lined up in a 4-3-3 formation; they were without midfielder Naby Keïta following a July injury.

Performance Analysis & Statistics

  • Score: Real Madrid 2, Ferencvaros 1
  • Shots on target: Madrid’s first on-target attempt came in the 37th minute.
  • Possession: Madrid dominated early phases, pressing high and dictating tempo.
  • Fitness observations: Vinícius Júnior and Bernardo Silva appeared “rusty” after limited training, with the former failing to complete a dribble or win a duel.

Official Statements & Responses

Mourinho addressed the fitness of his recent signings after the match, noting that Bernardo Silva “lacks physical strength” and that he had moved the player to a more advanced midfield role to compensate.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “The most important thing is the renewal. The contract renewal is a source of happiness for him, of course, but it is also a source of happiness for all of us.” — Mourinho
  • “He has done little training, he and Bernardo, and they are among the players who entered the match after having taken part in training only two weeks ago.” — Mourinho

Why It Matters

The friendly gave Mourinho a first look at his new-look squad without several World Cup-returning stars. The limited impact of Vinícius Júnior and the physical concerns surrounding Bernardo Silva highlight areas the manager must address before La Liga begins. The integration of Castilla talents such as Mario Rivas and Alexis Ciria suggests depth that could be valuable during the midfield transition after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Sources agree on the final score and goal scorers, but detailed statistical data (e.g., exact possession percentages, total shots) were not uniformly reported, leaving a gap in quantitative assessment of Madrid’s dominance.

What’s Next

Real Madrid will continue its preseason schedule with a home match against Deportivo La Coruña, followed by a mid-August encounter with Schalke 04 in Germany before the La Liga season kicks off a week later.