Real Madrid defeat Leganes 4-1 in training match with teenage wonderkid scoring
Xabi Alonso named a line-up with many first-team regulars and, on paper, a distinctly attacking set-up.
The formation appeared to be a 4-3-3, featuring the debut of Alvaro Carreras, who signed after the FIFA Club World Cup, and Kylian Mbappe wearing his new shirt number, the No. 10. Up front, the French forward was joined by Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Jr.
At the back, Dani Carvajal started, having recovered from a serious knee injury. He had already played minutes in the United States, and here he wore the captain's armband.
The starting XI was as follows: Thibaut Courtois in goal; a defence of Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio and Carreras; Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz in midfield; and Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Gonzalo in attack.
This line-up could well be the one used against Osasuna in the opening league match on 19 August at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The game began with a scare for the coach, as the visitors took the lead through a goal by Sule, one of several youth players included by Paco Lopez, the new Leganes manager, in his starting eleven.
However, once past the early setback, the home side asserted the clear gap in quality and, despite having only been back in training for five days, eventually ran out comfortable winners.
Given it was a behind-closed-doors friendly, details are scarce at the moment, but Rodra of ESPN reports that youngster Thiago Pitarch, who has been training with the first team this week, got a chance on the day and capped it off with a goal.
Alonso also tested David Alaba in a pivot midfield role.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jets' Jay Tufele shares moment with coach Aaron Glenn vs. Packers (video)
New York Jets defensive tackle Jay Tufele could have done himself a favor with this gesture toward his head coach in Aaron Glenn. Tufele had a monster effort in his team's 30-10 preseason opening win against the Green Bay Packers. He had 1.5 sacks, a touchdown, and more. The score was clearly the top highlight. Tufele recovered a fumble in the end zone. After scoring, Tufele took the ball to the sideline and handed it to his head coach. Tufele's handoff to Glenn can be found below: This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets' Jay Tufele shares moment with Aaron Glenn vs. Packers (video)
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'The best day ever' - Boro legend Mogga surprises long-time fan with a home visit
A long-time Boro supporter had a wish come true when he was reunited with his footballing hero, Tony Mowbray, who visited him at his home. Eric Hughes, a devoted fan of the club for over five decades, was lost for words when Mowbray knocked on his door. The two shared stories, laughter, and memories spanning generations of football history. The emotional meeting was arranged by radio host Paul 'Goffy' Gough, who has been in contact with Eric via his radio shows over the years. Mowbray, a legendary figure in the history of Middlesbrough FC, is not only revered for his time as a commanding centre-half during the 1980s and '90s but also respected for his leadership as the club's manager from 2010 to 2013. Affectionately known as "Mogga" among fans, his deep connection to the club – both as a player and as a manager – has cemented his place as one of Teesside's most admired football figures and a huge ambassador for the club. "It was an absolute honour to meet Tony again," said Eric, whose eyes lit up as he recalled Mowbray's huge authority on the pitch and his dignified leadership around the club. "He's always carried himself with such class, and he's one of us – someone who really understands what this club means to the Boro people. "I only wish he was part of the club now, as we all love him." During the surprise afternoon meeting, Eric took the opportunity to thank Mowbray for making him feel special after Boro had clinched promotion out of Division Three in 1987 – the season when the gates at Ayresome Park had been locked and the club appeared to be on the brink of extinction. Eric had built strong relationships with decades of the club's players by watching them train daily at the old training ground at Hutton Road, and then jumping in the car with various players to head back to the ground. He said: "The players had a special celebration after winning promotion through the play-offs against Chelsea. "When they arrived home, there were thousands of fans there to greet them at the ground. "They had arranged a celebration together at Ayresome Park – and as soon as Tony spotted me, he took me in to celebrate with them all. "I'll never forget that day - the best day ever. "Bruce Rioch, the team and Tony made me feel super special. "We recalled that afternoon and he said it was only right, as I was part of their squad – and that was just magic to hear from him." Mogga was equally moved by the occasion, saying: "It's always special to meet supporters like Eric who have stood by the club through thick and thin. "These are the people who make football truly meaningful. "I'm humbled to have played a part in his life journey. "He was always there at training and at the matches, and when he wasn't around, we missed him. "Long-time fans will remember Eric for his huge radio that he would carry around with him. "Long before mobile phones and rolling sports news, Eric was the man in the know – telling fans the latest team news and scores that had some kind of effect on us." "I just totally get what the Boro means to Eric and the fans – because I am one of them. "I asked Goffy to arrange a visit with Eric, and it was wonderful to reminisce for those few special hours with him." Radio host Goffy said: "We recorded some of the moments of Eric chatting to Tony, and he has watched them over and over again. READ MORE: Luxury housing scheme in North East takes shape with backing of major fund Anger as council propose speed limit increase on 'dangerous' County Durham road Beloved Darlington butchers hits the market after decades of serving the town "The encounter highlights the enduring legacy of club legends like Tony, and the deep emotional ties that exist between players like him and the club's passionate supporters. "In a world where football can often feel commercial and distant, moments like this – instigated by Tony Mowbray – serve as powerful reminders of its roots in community, identity, and loyalty. "To say that Eric was overjoyed would be a huge understatement – it visibly touched him, and it was clear that it did exactly the same to Mogga. "The man hugs they shared will always remain very memorable to me."
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Steelers TE Darnell Washington scores first TD of preseason, gets celebration penalty
The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off the preseason in style against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 31-25 win. The offense got off to a fast start with a masterful drive by backup quarterback Mason Rudolph. Rudolph capped the Steelers first offensive possession with a perfect 19-yard touchdown pass to massive tight end Darnell Washington. Washington punctuated the touchdown with the classic Jimmy Graham celebration and dunked the football over the goalpost. A celebration that has been made a penalty since Graham's days and it turned kicker Ben Sauls' extra point into a 48-yard try, which fortunately, Sauls made. However, the video of Washington's touchdown and ensuing celebration has gone viral. The prospect of the Steelers using Washington more in the passing game is enticing. Pittsburgh didn't dress co-starting tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith on Saturday. Washington, as the third option, is going to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Next up for the Steelers are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh and Tampa will hold joint practices next week and the Steelers take on the Bucs at home in Week Two of the preseason. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers TE Darnell Washington scores first TD of preseason, gets celebration penalty
