Mbappe scores early, new signing impresses as Real Madrid thrash Schalke

Real Madrid easily defeated Schalke 3-0 in a friendly in Germany. Mbappe opened the scoring, Huijsen and Espi also found the net, helping "Los Blancos" have a convincing dress rehearsal before the new season.

Real Madrid had an impressive dress rehearsal before the new season, defeating Schalke with a score of 3-0 in a friendly in Gelsenkirchen. Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen, and Carlos Espi were the goalscorers, helping Los Blancoscontrol the game and secure a convincing victory.

Right from the kickoff, Real Madrid took the initiative to control possession and look for gaps in Schalke's defense.

In the 6th minute, Mbappe made his mark. The French striker took advantage of an opportunity to fire a precise shot, opening the scoring 1-0 for Real Madrid. Notably, this was the visitors' first shot of the match, but it was immediately converted into a goal.

After the opening goal, Real Madrid grew in confidence. Schalke tried to push forward but struggled greatly against the opponent's ability to control space.

In the 20th minute, the lead was doubled. From a corner kick taken by Arda Guler, center-back Huijsen positioned himself perfectly and finished to make it 2-0.

In the remainder of the first half, Real Madrid continued to dominate the game. Los Blancoscreated more dangerous scoring opportunities and went into the break with a two-goal advantage.

At the start of the second half, Real Madrid's coach immediately made a series of changes to test the squad depth.

Mbappe was substituted off, making way for Carlos Espi. Eduardo Camavinga also replaced Guler, while Andriy Lunin and Antonio Rudiger came on for Thibaut Courtois and Ibrahima Konate respectively.

These adjustments did not weaken Real Madrid. On the contrary, the visitors continued to apply pressure and scored their third goal in the 57th minute.

From an assist by Alvaro Carreras, Carlos Espi finished successfully, making it 3-0. This was a deserved reward for Real Madrid's effective performance throughout the match.

By the 61st minute, Los Blancoscontinued to bring on Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande, and Denzel Dumfries. As a result, Real Madrid maintained control in both midfield and the flanks.

Schalke tried to find a consolation goal in the final minutes but could not generate enough pressure to break through the visitors' defense. Edin Dzeko was brought on in the 80th minute, but the appearance of the veteran Bosnian striker could not change the situation for the hosts.

Real Madrid deliberately slowed down the pace as the match entered its final minutes. Vinicius Junior was also substituted off in the 87th minute to preserve his fitness.

In the end, Schalke 0-3 Real Madrid. Mbappe scored early, Huijsen continued to make his mark, and Carlos Espi sealed the victory. Notably, Real Madrid maintained their dominance even after gradually withdrawing several key players, thereby demonstrating formidable squad depth ahead of the new season.

Watch live Schalke vs Real Madrid where?

• Time: 10 PM on August 16.
• Venue: Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
• Competition:Summer friendly 2026.

Team news Schalke vs Real Madrid

Schalke: Junior Dina Ebimbe is doubtful for the match. Robin Gosens and Kenan Karaman have returned to training and could be used. Edin Dzeko is also a notable option up front if coach Miron Muslic gives him a chance.

Real Madrid: Endrick, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Raul Asencio are absent. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe are expected to feature. New signings such as Konate, Cucurella, and Diomande may also be given playing time.

Predicted lineups Schalke vs Real Madrid

Schalke: Karius; Timo Becker, Hasan Kuruçay, Mertcan Ayhan, N’Diaye; Schallenberg, El-Faouzi; Ljubicic, Aouchiche, Karaman; Sylla.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.

Form & Head-to-head Schalke vs Real Madrid

Schalke's form: In their last 5 matches, Schalke have won 4, lost 1, and have no draws, scoring 20 goals. The Ruhr side defeated Erzgebirge Aue, Metalist Kharkiv, Fagiano Okayama, and Hessen Kassel before suffering a 0-3 defeat to Atalanta. This loss partly revealed Schalke's problems when facing teams with high transition speed.

Real Madrid's form: In their last 5 matches, Real Madrid have won 4, drawn 1, and remain undefeated, with an average of about 3.8 goals per game. The Spanish royal club is in the process of finalizing their squad before the new season and may use this friendly to test new signings.

Head-to-head history: Schalke and Real Madrid have met 4 times in the past. Schalke have won 1 match, while Real Madrid have won the other 3. The two teams have never drawn in their last 4 meetings.