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Mou sorprende: Dumfries de extremo y ¡tres canteranos en el once inicial!
Real Madrid Kicks Off the Mourinho Era: A Beginner’s Guide to the First Pre-Season Friendly
The Wait Is Over
Imagine waiting all summer for your favorite show to return. That is exactly how Real Madrid fans felt. The wait finally ended when the Real Madrid of the "new José Mourinho era" took the field for their first pre-season friendly against Fiorentina in Austria.
Before this match, the Portuguese coach had already led over 20 training sessions. The team also played two practice matches (friendlies) against smaller Spanish teams, Alcorcón and Leganés, to get ready.
Important Point: Pre-season is like "spring training" in baseball. The games don’t count for trophies, but they are crucial for getting fit, testing tactics, and deciding who makes the final squad.
A Surprising Starting Lineup (The "Atypical XI")
Mourinho is famous for his favorite formation: the 4-2-3-1 (4 defenders, 2 defensive midfielders, 3 attacking midfielders, 1 striker). However, the team sheet for this first game had some major surprises.
1. The Right Side Shake-Up: Dumfries vs. Trent
The biggest headline was Denzel Dumfries starting at Right Winger (extreme right).
- Why is this weird? Dumfries is a Right Back (defender).
- The Plot Twist: He played in front of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
- The Context: Trent is a world-class Right Back who just joined the club. Theoretically, they are competitors for the same defensive spot. Mourinho played them together by moving Dumfries up the field.
2. The Teen Sensation Up Front: Endrick
At Striker (number 9), the opportunity went to Endrick.
- He is a young Brazilian superstar.
- He barely had two training sessions with the team because he cut his vacation short to arrive early.
- This shows massive trust from the coach immediately.
3. The New Guy on the Bench: Espí
The latest signing, Espí, had to settle for a spot on the bench, watching and waiting for his chance.
The "Fábrica" Takes Center Stage
La Fábrica (The Factory) is Real Madrid’s famous youth academy. Because zero first-team center backs were available (likely due to injuries or late returns from international tournaments), Mourinho trusted two kids:
- Joan Martínez
- Mario Rivas
They started as the central defensive partnership. Talk about a baptism by fire!
Meet Alexis Ciria: The Left Back Machine
On the left side of defense started Alexis Ciria.
- He arrived at the club just last January.
- He is a scoring machine: he has scored goals for three different youth teams (Castilla [Reserves], C Team, Juvenil A [U19]).
- He is a Youth League Champion.
- He already earned his spot by starting the previous friendly against Leganés.
The Familiar Faces (The "Safe" Picks)
While the defense and attack were experimental, the spine of the team looked very familiar:
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Lunin | The reliable backup keeper getting a run out. |
| Left Back | Carreras | A solid defensive option on the left. |
| Center Midfield | Camavinga & Valverde | The engine room. Energy, tackling, and box-to-box running. |
| Attacking Midfield | Güler | The "Number 10". The creative spark linking midfield to attack. |
Summary of the Starting XI vs. Fiorentina
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- GK: Lunin
- RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
- CB: Joan Martínez (Youth)
- CB: Mario Rivas (Youth)
- LB: Alexis Ciria (Youth) / Carreras
- DM: Camavinga
- DM: Valverde
- RW: Denzel Dumfries (Surprise! Playing as Winger)
- AM: Güler
- LW: (Not explicitly named in text, likely a rotation player)
- ST: Endrick (Starting with only 2 sessions)
Key Takeaway: Mourinho used this game as a laboratory. He tested a wild tactical idea (Dumfries as a winger), blooded three academy defenders at once, and threw a teenage striker straight into the fire. This isn’t about the result; it’s about information gathering.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why did Mourinho play Dumfries as a winger instead of a defender?
It is a tactical experiment. Dumfries has incredible stamina and crossing ability. By playing him higher up, Mourinho gets his attacking output without losing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s elite passing from deep. It creates a "double threat" on the right side.
2. Who is Alexis Ciria and why did he start?
He is a 19-year-old left back from the academy (La Fábrica). He joined in January 2026, scored for every youth team he played for, won the Youth League, and impressed in the previous friendly vs Leganés. He earned the start through merit.
3. Why were two youth players (Joan Martínez & Mario Rivas) starting at Center Back?
The article states "no first-team center back was available." This usually happens because senior players are injured, on extended rest after international tournaments (Euros/Copa América), or transferring out.
4. Is Endrick ready to start real games?
He started this friendly with only two training sessions. In a real competitive match (La Liga/Champions League), he might start on the bench. But Mourinho clearly rates his physical readiness and mentality highly.
5. What does "Atypical XI" mean?
It means a starting lineup that is unusual or unexpected. It doesn’t look like the predicted "Best XI" for the actual season. It is a mix of new signings in weird positions, academy kids, and rusty veterans.
Final Thoughts
This match wasn’t about winning a trophy. It was Mourinho’s first press conference on the grass. He shouted:
- "I trust my youth academy."
- "I will use versatile players in new ways (Dumfries)."
- "New signings (Trent, Endrick) integrate immediately."
The 2026/27 season has officially begun. Buckle up, Madridistas—it’s going to be a fascinating ride.
