Real Madrid edges Ferencvaros 1-2 in Budapest as Espí and Rivas score in pre-season friendly

Match overview

Real Madrid secured their first win under José Mourinho with a 1-2 victory over Ferencvaros on Saturday at the Groupama Arena in Budapest, where nearly 22,000 spectators watched the club's first visit to the city in more than three decades. The result follows a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina the previous weekend, giving Mourinho's side its first triumph after earlier training-ground tests against Leganés and Alcorcón at Valdebebas. Ferencvaros, already in competitive play with two league fixtures and a 1-0 win over Poland's Górnik Zabrze in Europa League qualifying on the preceding Wednesday, proved a more match-fit opponent. The Hungarian club postponed its third league match to host the friendly.

First half: Güler pulls the strings

Arda Güler, who played the entire match, was the standout performer, operating as the attacking midfielder and repeatedly unlocking the Hungarian defence. The Turkish international, able to complete nearly the full pre-season after Turkey's early World Cup elimination, created the opening goal in the 40th minute. His corner from the left was headed back across by Alexis Ciria, and canterano defender Mario Rivas headed in from close range. Real Madrid had previously threatened through Endrick, whose one-on-one was saved by Dénes Dibusz in the 37th minute, and Brahim Díaz, who fired over the bar. The visitors managed 11 shots in the first 45 minutes.

Mourinho started three canteranos: Rivas and Joan Martínez in central defence, and Ciria on the wing. The 4-2-3-1 formation featured Camavinga and Valverde in the double pivot, with Endrick as the lone striker. The Brazilian forward, whose agents are reportedly seeking a loan move following the signing of Espí, missed a one-on-one and drew a gesture of displeasure from Mourinho after an ambitious long-range effort from more than 40 metres.

Second half: debuts and Espí's quick strike

Mourinho made six halftime substitutions, introducing Bernardo Silva for his first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt (wearing the number 31), along with Vinícius Junior, who returned after signing a six-year contract renewal and had trained for only five days. Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, and Trent also entered.

Carlos Espí, signed from Levante and described on the club's social media as a "rematador" (finisher), needed only four minutes after coming on to score his first Real Madrid goal. The move began with Rüdiger playing out from the back to Endrick, who combined with Güler, then Valverde, who fed Espí for a first-time right-footed finish past Dibusz.

Kodro pulls one back

Ferencvaros reduced the deficit in the 56th minute when Kenan Kodro, son of the former Real Sociedad and Barcelona forward, beat Rüdiger to a cross into the area. The home side pressed for an equaliser, and a misplaced pass by Álvaro Carreras nearly cost Real Madrid a second goal. Ferencvaros had earlier appealed for a penalty when the ball struck Dumfries's hand in the fifth minute, but no call was given.

What's next

Real Madrid have two remaining pre-season fixtures before La Liga begins on 22 August against Espanyol. They face Deportivo de A Coruña on 12 August in the Teresa Herrera trophy and visit Schalke 04, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, on 16 August. Still absent from the squad were Mbappé, Courtois, Bellingham, Cucurella, Tchouaméni, and new signing Diomande, who could debut against Deportivo. The failed pursuit of Rodri, the World Cup MVP, leaves the midfield pivot to Camavinga and Valverde for now.