Home FootballReal Madrid 2-1 Ferencváros: Silva Debuts, Güler Shines

Real Madrid 2-1 Ferencváros: Silva Debuts, Güler Shines

Aug 9, 2026 11:50 AM GMT+00:00

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Real Madrid 2-1 Ferencváros: Silva Debuts, Güler Shines

José Mourinho's side controlled large periods of the match at the Groupama Arena, although Ferencváros made the closing stages uncomfortable after Kenan Kodro pulled one back in the second half.

The victory offered Mourinho another opportunity to assess his squad, with Arda Güler again impressing in a central attacking role and several young players making valuable contributions.

Espí Scores Minutes Into Real Madrid Debut

Carlos Espí made an immediate impact after coming on at half-time, scoring just four minutes into the second half to give Real Madrid a 2-0 lead.

The move involved Endrick, Güler and Fede Valverde, who combined around the edge of the area before Valverde pulled the ball back for Espí to finish.

The goal was an encouraging moment for the summer signing as he continues to compete for opportunities in Mourinho's attack.

With Kylian Mbappé expected to lead the line when the competitive campaign begins, Espí and Endrick will have to make the most of their opportunities during pre-season.

Bernardo Silva Makes His Real Madrid Debut

The biggest individual talking point was Bernardo Silva's first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt.

The Portuguese midfielder was introduced at half-time and initially operated alongside Fede Valverde in the double pivot. Later in the match, Mourinho pushed Silva further forward after Jorge Cestero entered the game.

The positional changes offered an early indication of how Mourinho could exploit Silva's versatility during the season.

Silva was not yet at full fitness after returning from his post-World Cup break, but Mourinho was encouraged by the qualities the midfielder can bring to his team.

The Real Madrid manager explained that Silva can provide an outlet when playing deeper as either a No. 6 or No. 8, highlighting his potential importance to the squad.

His debut therefore represented more than simply a first appearance. It gave Mourinho an opportunity to begin testing where Silva fits best within his midfield structure.

Arda Güler Continues to Make His Case

Arda Güler was again one of Real Madrid's most influential players.

Operating in the central attacking role within Mourinho's 4-2-3-1, the Turkey international frequently dropped deeper to help Madrid progress the ball and moved across the attacking midfield line.

Güler was also involved in the build-up to Espí's goal, continuing a strong run of performances during pre-season.

His form presents Mourinho with an interesting tactical problem once Jude Bellingham returns.

Güler has used the opening weeks of pre-season to strengthen his case for a significant role, but Mourinho will eventually have to determine how he can accommodate both midfielders without compromising the team's balance.

Rivas Gives Madrid the Lead

Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 41st minute through academy defender Mario Rivas.

The goal began with a deep corner from Güler that eventually reached Alexis Ciria on the opposite side. The young winger delivered the ball back into the area, allowing Rivas to score with a diving header.

It was another encouraging contribution from Madrid's academy players.

Ciria was given an opportunity in place of Vinícius Júnior and showed confidence in attack, while Rivas continued to make an impression during another senior-team appearance.

Madrid's willingness to give younger players significant minutes has provided Mourinho with additional options as he assesses his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Ferencváros Fight Back

Ferencváros reduced the deficit in the 57th minute through Kenan Kodro.

The hosts increased their intensity after the goal and forced Real Madrid into a more controlled approach during the final stages.

Madrid ultimately protected their advantage, but the second half was less convincing than the opening 45 minutes.

The difference was also reflected in Mourinho's assessment of the match.

Real Madrid finished with 62 percent possession, 17 attempts and 612 passes, although only three of their shots were on target.

Mourinho admitted that he preferred his team's first-half performance, pointing to the greater connection and control shown by the players who had already worked together during pre-season.

Mourinho Still Has Tactical Questions to Answer

Despite the victory, the match gave Mourinho several issues to consider.

Bernardo Silva's ability to operate in different midfield positions could become particularly important, but the Portuguese is still working towards full fitness.

Vinícius Júnior also returned to action following his new contract extension, although he had completed only a limited number of training sessions before the match.

The second-half changes disrupted some of Madrid's rhythm, with Bernardo and Vinícius lacking match sharpness and Endrick moving from centre-forward to the right.

For Mourinho, however, that is part of the purpose of pre-season.

The Real Madrid manager can use these matches to identify tactical problems before they become costly during competitive fixtures.

What Real Madrid's Win Means

Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Ferencváros provided another positive step in their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

The result itself was important, but Mourinho will likely be more interested in what the match revealed about his squad.

Güler continues to strengthen his case for a major role, Espí made an immediate impact with his goal, and academy players such as Rivas and Ciria showed they can contribute at senior level.

Bernardo Silva's debut was another major development. Although he is still short of full match fitness, his ability to operate in multiple midfield positions gives Mourinho another tactical weapon.

The next challenge will be integrating Silva, Güler, Bellingham and the rest of Madrid's attacking and midfield options while maintaining the balance Mourinho wants.

Real Madrid's next pre-season test comes against Deportivo La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy on Wednesday, August 12.