Real Madrid 2-2 Fiorentina: Mourinho’s winning start ends in Austria

Real Madrid’s perfect start to pre-season came to an end after a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in Klagenfurt, Austria, in a match that offered encouraging signs for Jose Mourinho but also exposed areas still requiring work before the new campaign begins.

Los Blancos appeared in complete control after goals from Endrick and Alexis Ciria inside the opening 24 minutes, only for Fiorentina to respond through Roberto Piccoli and Moise Kean to secure a share of the spoils.

Endrick Continues Strong Summer Form

The clearest positive for Madrid was another impressive display from Endrick.

The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 12th minute after meeting Álvaro Carreras’ cut-back and finishing confidently beyond David De Gea. The goal continued the momentum he built during his loan spell at Lyon, where he helped the French club secure Champions League qualification.

Endrick remained heavily involved throughout the first half, recording Madrid’s most touches inside the penalty area and competing in more duels than any teammate, underlining his determination to earn a larger role under Mourinho this season.

Madrid race into two-goal lead

Real Madrid doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark when Eduardo Camavinga surged into the box and squared for Ciria, who swept home with a first-time finish.

At that stage, Madrid looked capable of extending the margin further as they dominated possession and territory.

Fiorentina punish Madrid’s lapse

Fiorentina’s route back into the contest came from their first meaningful attack. Former Madrid academy player Alex Jimenez produced an incisive pass that allowed Piccoli to beat Andrii Lunin at the near post against the run of play.

The goal changed the complexion of the match and gave the Italian side renewed belief heading into the interval.

Kean strikes immediately after the break

Fiorentina carried that momentum into the second half. After Rolando Mandragora threatened from a free-kick, substitute Moise Kean equalised just 85 seconds after entering the pitch, heading in Nicolo Fagioli’s cross to make it 2-2.

The early second-half goal shifted the pressure onto Madrid, who struggled to regain the fluency they had shown in the opening half-hour.

Mourinho tests Dumfries–Alexander-Arnold combination

One of the most intriguing tactical aspects of the evening was Mourinho’s use of Denzel Dumfries on his Madrid debut.

Rather than deploying the Dutch international at right-back, the coach used him in a higher right-sided role while Trent Alexander-Arnold operated deeper and frequently drifted into midfield.

The experiment suggested Mourinho may be exploring a more fluid right flank in which Dumfries provides width and direct running while Alexander-Arnold influences play from central areas.

The England international led Madrid for shots on the night, although all of his attempts came from outside the penalty area.

Tight finish in Klagenfurt

After Kean’s equaliser, the game became increasingly cautious. Neither side committed heavily forward in the closing stages, and clear chances were limited.

Madrid almost snatched victory in stoppage time when debutant Carlos Espi met an Alexander-Arnold cross, but his header drifted wide of the target.

What the numbers say

Despite their strong start, Madrid finished with an expected-goals figure of 0.75, slightly lower than Fiorentina’s 0.95, reflecting how effectively the Italian side maximised their opportunities after weathering early pressure.

The draw therefore served as a useful reminder that Mourinho’s new-look Madrid remain a work in progress, particularly in defensive transition.

Key Takeaways

• Endrick strengthened his case for more first-team minutes.
• Denzel Dumfries made his debut in an advanced right-sided role.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold continued to operate with significant midfield freedom.
• Fiorentina showed resilience after trailing 2-0 inside 24 minutes.
• Mourinho’s unbeaten pre-season start remains intact, but Madrid’s winning streak has ended.

Real Madrid will now continue preparations for the new season looking to build on the attacking promise shown early in the match while tightening the defensive structure that allowed Fiorentina back into the contest.

SportsLigue