Real Madrid officially begin preparations for the 2026-27 campaign on Tuesday when they welcome Leganes to Valdebebas for a behind-closed-doors friendly.
It will be the second opportunity to see Jose Mourinho back in the dugout following his return, while Leganes continue their pre-season after an inconsistent end to their last Segunda Division campaign.
Team news for Real Madrid vs Leganes
Real Madrid remain without a number of key players following their involvement at the 2026 World Cup, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois are also sidelined through injury, meaning Mourinho is expected to hand opportunities to several Castilla prospects alongside established first-team players.
Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alvaro Carreras, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono are all expected to feature, while Gonzalo Garcia should lead the attack after an impressive breakthrough campaign.
Leganes are only missing long-term absentee Marcos Leiva and should be close to full strength after already playing three pre-season fixtures this summer.
Predicted line-ups for Real Madrid vs Leganes
Real Madrid possible starting XI: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Cestero, Camavinga; Mastantuono, Guler, Pitarch; Gonzalo Garcia
Leganes possible starting XI: Soriano; Pena, Aguilar, Miquel, Marvel; Diawara, Guirao; Garcia, Rodriguez, Roberto Lopez; Millan
How to watch Real Madrid v Leganes: TV channel, online stream
The match kicks off at 17:00 BST on Tuesday, July 28.
As the game is being played behind closed doors, no live television coverage has been announced.
The stats for Real Madrid vs Leganes
- Real Madrid have won 13 of their 17 previous meetings with Leganes, losing just twice
- Los Blancos are unbeaten in their last six matches against Leganes across all competitions (five wins, one draw)
- Real Madrid have won each of their last three matches dating back to the end of the 2025-26 season
- Leganes have already played three friendlies this summer, drawing with Albacete and Nacional before losing 2-1 to Levante
- Several first-team stars, including Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Bellingham, are unavailable after their World Cup commitments, giving Mourinho an early chance to assess academy talent
- Gonzalo Garcia is expected to spearhead the attack after scoring six La Liga goals last season
Prediction
Real Madrid should dominate possession despite fielding a heavily rotated squad, and Mourinho will expect a winning start to his second spell in charge.
Leganes have match fitness on their side after three pre-season outings, but the quality available to the hosts should still win.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Leganes
