The beginning of victories: Mourinho leads Real Madrid to first win in his return.

Real Madrid kicked off their preparations for the 2026-2027 season by playing their first friendly match under their new coach José Mourinho, against Alcorcón at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, which was empty of spectators.

In temperatures reaching 33°C, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory. The score was still 0-0 when the first-team players left the pitch in the 70th minute, after which victory was achieved thanks to eleven players from the club's academy 'La Fábrica', and a goal scored by young player Yáñez from a penalty.

Mourinho did not spring many surprises in his starting lineup; he had ten first-team players available and used nine of them. The only absentee was Fede Valverde, who watched the match from the stands having only completed two training sessions since joining on Wednesday, alongside Éder Militão and Rodrygo to support the team.

In contrast, Arda Güler started the match despite only joining training on Monday; he led the midfield alongside Lunin in goal (who also wore the captain's armband), with Alexander-Arnold, Asensio, Huijsen, and Carreras in defense, Cestero in the defensive midfield, Camavinga and Güler in midfield, Mastantuono as right winger, Gonzalo in attack, and the big gamble Gabriel Valero as left winger.

Mourinho did not appear on the pitch until 10 minutes before kick-off to quietly observe the end of the warm-up, where he merely touched the grass and the ball, before turning back.

Camera lenses focused on the Portuguese more than the match itself, to observe his reactions and emotions in his first appearance at Valdebebas after a 13-year absence, wearing pink training gear and his gray hair showing the passage of years. The Portuguese appeared calm and very composed, leaving the bench only once in the first 20 minutes to give some instructions in a low voice, before returning to his seat.

On the field, Real Madrid started the match with a strong burst; after just 51 seconds, Mastantuono won a penalty after a run from the right wing. Güler quickly grabbed the ball and shot, overriding his teammate Gonzalo's desire, but failed to convert it into a goal as the goalkeeper made a successful save, marking the first minute and a half of Mourinho's second term.

The pace of the match gradually slowed; the next 15 minutes saw no dangerous chances. Mastantuono stood out as the best player on the pitch, along with Cestero's character and Gonzalo's desire to prove himself. The first half ended goalless without full conviction, amid a tactical approach based on organization and high pressing.

With the start of media blackout after the 20th minute, the press was evacuated from the stadium and the live broadcast on the club's official channel was cut. However, Güler was seen trying to compensate for the missed penalty with a notable dynamic performance in playmaking and set-pieces, while Mastantuono continued to lead dangerous attacks for the team.

With the score still 0-0 at the 70th minute, Mourinho made a wholesale change by pulling all first-team players and sending in the academy players. The decider came from a second penalty, successfully converted by Yáñez into the net, amid protests from Alcorcón's coaching staff over the referee's decision. The match ended with Real Madrid winning 1-0.