Real Madrid concluded its 39-day pre-season with a final training session on Friday, ready for their LaLiga clash against RCD Espanyol on Saturday at 21:30. Coach José Mourinho could field 20 players from his squad, though some still need recovery after returning from the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who returned after participating in the World Cup, are available for the match, though Tchouaméni is not yet 100%. The final training session confirmed the team is in shape, but Mourinho must manage injuries and fatigue for the match.
The game against Espanyol will be the second of the season, as the first match against Real Sociedad was postponed to August 26. Mourinho could include Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé in the starting XI, though Diomande and Bellingham are not yet ready. Brazilian Endrick, who might leave in the summer, is likely to miss the trip to Barcelona, according to club sources. Despite that, the plane to Catalonia is nearly full, indicating the club prioritizes squad continuity. The presence of players like Mario Rivas, Jorge Cestero, and Alexis Ciria was also highlighted in the training session, reflecting Mourinho's tactical diversity.
