Budapest to host Real Madrid and Ferencvaros in pre-season friendly
Real Madrid is set to face Ferencvaros in a pre-season friendly match at the Groupama Arena in Budapest, Hungary. This fixture is a key part of Real Madrid’s preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 season, marking the first time the Spanish giants will play at Ferencvaros’ home ground.
The match offers José Mourinho’s side an opportunity to continue refining tactical approaches and integrate new players. Ferencvaros, the Hungarian champions, will have the chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s most successful clubs in front of their home crowd.
Squad and Preparation Details
Real Madrid’s preparation program is intensifying as they approach their La Liga debut, scheduled for August 22 against Espanyol Barcelona. The team has already played several matches, including victories against Alcorcon and Leganés. They also secured a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina.
The squad for the friendly against Ferencvaros includes several established players such as Antonio Rüdiger, Bernardo Silva, Vinicius Junior, and Brahim Diaz. New signings like Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva are also expected to feature, alongside players like Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler, who are aiming to build rhythm for the new season.
José Mourinho has also called up several young talents from the club’s academy. Among these are Javi Navarro, who previously impressed in the Youth League, and Dean Huijsen, returning after missing the previous match. The inclusion of these young players provides them with valuable experience alongside senior team members.
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.
While some international players have not yet returned to Valdebebas, their return is anticipated soon, with key players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham expected in the Spanish capital on Monday.
Upcoming Fixtures and Objectives
The match against Ferencvaros is a crucial step in Real Madrid’s pre-season schedule. Following this game, Real Madrid will play Deportivo La Coruña on August 12, and then Schalke 04 a few days later. These matches are designed to help the team regain automatic plays and ensure players accumulate sufficient playing time before the start of the new La Liga season.
Ferencvaros enters the friendly with greater match sharpness, having already commenced their domestic and European commitments. They have made a strong start to their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign and will aim to leverage that momentum against the Spanish club. The Hungarian side is expected to employ an organised defensive strategy and look for opportunities to counter-attack.
For Real Madrid, the objective is clear: to use these pre-season fixtures to assess player combinations, integrate new arrivals, and enhance the overall match fitness of the squad. The atmosphere at the Groupama Arena is anticipated to be vibrant, resembling a competitive European night, which will further aid Real Madrid’s preparation for the challenges of the 2026-27 season.
The friendly match is part of a busy schedule of Club Friendlies taking place on Saturday, August 8. Other fixtures include Kasımpaşa versus Samsunspor, Elche versus Toulouse, and Albacete versus Real Murcia.
Source: bbc.co.uk
