WSG Tirol vs Real Madrid preseason friendly held today, August 12, 2025:
Match Overview
Context: This match serves as Real Madrid’s one and only preseason friendly, coming just a week before the La Liga season kicks off. The compressed schedule—only nine training sessions and limited recuperation post-Club World Cup—has posed challenges for coach Xabi Alonso.
Timing: Kick-off was at 19:00 CEST (1:00 pm EST) at the Tivoli Stadion Tirol in Innsbruck.
Starting Lineups & Squad Notes
Real Madrid Starting XI (4–3–3 formation):
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Goalkeeper: Courtois
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Backline: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras (making his debut)
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Midfield trio: Arda Güler, Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos
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Attack: Brahim Díaz, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
The squad list featured other injuries- Bellingham, Valverde (recovering from fatigue), Camavinga, Endrick, and Mendy stayed in Madrid- and players who will serve as substitutes, Lunin, Carvajal, Ruddiger, Rodrygo, Thiago Pitarch, and others.
One of the most encouraging things, however: Thiago Pitarch, the 18-year-old midfielder, is apparently nearing a contract renewal at Real Madrid. He impresses in preseason and even started training with the first team in this game.
Tactical & Strategic Insights
Alonso’s Challenge: With a compressed schedule and several key players sidelined, this friendly is crucial for tactical assessments and squad adjustment before the La Liga opener against Osasuna.
The squad listing showed other injuries as well Bellingham, Valverde (resting because of tiredness), Camavinga, Endrick and Mendy were in Madrid, and the rest of the players included back-ups Lunin, Carvajal, Rudiger, Rodrygo, Thiago Pitarch and others.
A ray of hope: Thiago Pitarch, the 18-year-old midfielder is said to have signed a new deal with Real Madrid soon. During preseason he impressed and even trained with the first team in this match.
Formation flexibility: Xabi Alonso played a versatile 4-3-3 with Tchouaméni able to drop back into defense when necessary and Brahim providing options in the front either on the wing or centrally.
Let me know if you'd like details like post-match reactions, goal scorers, or preview of how Madrid might line up against Osasuna in the league opener.
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