Overview
Schalke will close the preparation process for the new season with a confrontation with Real Madrid, after a relatively busy summer. The German team has played 6 friendly matches, won four but just suffered a 0-3 defeat to Atalanta.
Schalke returned to the Bundesliga after winning the second division last season. This is also the first time they have reached the highest league in Germany since the 2022-2023 season. In front of them is the match against Hallescher at the DFB-Pokal, then facing Augsburg in the opening match of the Bundesliga.
To prepare for their return, Schalke has made 6 new signings, including Satoshi Tanaka, Junior Dina Ebimbe and Junior Adamu. In the opposite direction, 7 players have left the team, notably Ilyes Hamache. In general, they still have a lot to do to shape a team capable of competing in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid has more active preparation. The Royal team has played 4 friendly matches, winning Leganes 4-1 in the first match, drawing Fiorentina 2-2 and then successively defeating Ferencvaros and Deportivo La Coruna. The confrontation with Schalke will be the final general rehearsal before Real Madrid starts the La Liga campaign.
This is also an opportunity for Jose Mourinho to continue perfecting the squad before the official season. Real Madrid has brought in 6 rookies including Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Carlos Espi, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva. Vinicius Junior also committed to his future with a new contract.
Mourinho will have more time to prepare when Real Madrid's La Liga match scheduled for this weekend is postponed. The capital team will then meet Real Sociedad on August 26.
For Schalke, this is a special test when the opponent is one of the most traditional teams in Europe. Meanwhile, Real Madrid needs to take advantage of the last match before the season to verify the personnel and tactical options that Mourinho has built in the summer.
Personnel situation
Schalke will not have the service of Adrian Gantenbein due to injury, but in general, coach Miron Muslic's squad is still quite stable before the challenge with Real Madrid.
Loris Karius is likely to continue to be given opportunities in goal, while new signing Satoshi Tanaka is expected to be present in midfield. In attack, Edin Dzeko has just extended his contract for another year with Schalke.
On Real Madrid's side, Endrick will not be able to participate due to a muscle injury. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has returned after completing his task at the 2026 World Cup and is likely to have his first match under Mourinho.
Thibaut Courtois continues to be absent due to injury, so Andriy Lunin is expected to keep the number one position in goal. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Raul Asencio, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are also unable to return.
Yan Diomande is likely to make his Real Madrid debut, while Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate could also feature. The possibility of Jude Bellingham's participation has not yet been determined.
Expected lineup:
Schalke 04: Karius, Becker, Katic, Kurucay, Gosens, Schallenberg, Tanaka, Gruger, Porath, Dzeko, Karaman.
Real Madrid: Lunin, Dumfries, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras, Bernardo, Valverde, Diaz, Guler, Vinicius, Mbappe.
The match between Schalke 04 and Real Madrid takes place at 10:00 p.m. on August 16 (Vietnam time).
