Real Madrid Pre-Season 2025: Fixtures, Results, Squad & How to Watch Under Xabi Alonso
Los Blancos Begin New Era With Club World Cup Drama and Summer Tour Across the USA
The disappointment of a quarter-final Champions League exit to Arsenal last season still lingers for Real Madrid, but the club has wasted no time in turning the page. With Xabi Alonso now officially in charge following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to the Brazil national team, Los Blancos have embarked on an eventful pre-season that blends competitive action with preparation for the 2025-26 campaign.
This summer’s schedule has been far from ordinary. Instead of the usual friendly circuit, Real Madrid dived headfirst into the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, using the tournament as both a trophy pursuit and a chance to refine Alonso’s early ideas.
Real Madrid 2025 Pre-Season Fixtures & Results
June 18 – Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA
June 22 – Real Madrid 3-1 Pachuca – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, USA
June 26 – Red Bull Salzburg 0-3 Real Madrid – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
July 1 – Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA
July 5 – Real Madrid 3-2 Borussia Dortmund – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA
July 9 – PSG 4-0 Real Madrid – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA
Madrid kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Saudi champions Al Hilal, but quickly found rhythm. Victories over Pachuca and Salzburg secured top spot in Group H, setting up a quarter-final against Juventus.
A narrow win over the Italian side was followed by a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in the last eight. But momentum came to a sudden halt in the semi-final, where PSG delivered a humbling 4-0 defeat—Alonso’s first major setback in charge.
Tickets & How to Watch Real Madrid Pre-Season
Fans could secure seats for the US matches through StubHub and Real Madrid’s official website, with sell-out crowds greeting the team at every stop. For viewers at home, the Club World Cup games were streamed globally on DAZN. Future pre-season broadcasting arrangements are yet to be confirmed, but given the audience for this summer’s games, interest is expected to remain high.
When Does Real Madrid’s 2025-26 Season Start?
Real Madrid had attempted to postpone their opening La Liga fixture against Osasuna—scheduled for August 19—until late October to allow more recovery time after the Club World Cup. However, La Liga reportedly rejected the request.
As it stands, Los Blancos will begin their league campaign as planned before turning attention to the Champions League in September. The first Clásico of the season against Barcelona is pencilled in for October, in line with recent seasons.
Madrid will enter the Copa del Rey at the round of 32 stage and are already confirmed participants in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup. The draw for the Champions League league phase takes place on August 28.
Real Madrid Squad for 2025-26 Under Alonso
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, Endrick, Gonzalo García
The squad blends established stars with emerging talents and academy graduates. Miguel Gutiérrez returns after a spell away, while Gonzalo García is yet to be officially registered with the senior team despite being part of Alonso’s plans.
Summer Transfers & Departures
Real Madrid have been busy in the market. Dean Huijsen joined from Bournemouth on a five-year deal starting June 1, while Trent Alexander-Arnold completed a high-profile move from Liverpool, signing a six-year contract. River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono is set to arrive on August 14.
The club did miss out on one major target—midfield anchor Martín Zubimendi, who opted to join Arsenal.
Departures include Luka Modrić and Jesús Vallejo, both leaving at the end of last season. Lucas Vázquez also departed after the Club World Cup in July, ending a long association with the club.
Alonso’s Early Imprint
While the Club World Cup semi-final defeat was a sharp reminder of the challenges ahead, there have been early signs of Alonso’s tactical influence. His emphasis on compact defensive shape, quick transitions, and positional rotations has been evident throughout the summer, though consistency remains a work in progress.
The arrival of Alexander-Arnold adds an attacking dimension from right-back, while the integration of Endrick and Gonzalo García offers fresh energy in the forward line. With Mbappé, Vinícius, and Rodrygo spearheading the attack, Real Madrid remain one of Europe’s most dangerous teams in transition.
The Road Ahead
With the pre-season tour complete and the Club World Cup adventure behind them, Real Madrid now turn fully to the challenges of 2025-26. Alonso’s task is clear: reclaim La Liga from Barcelona, push deep into the Champions League, and continue integrating the next generation of talent without losing the competitive edge that defines Los Blancos.
If the summer’s mixed results prove anything, it’s that this is a squad capable of brilliance but still adjusting to a new era. The pieces are there—now it’s up to Alonso to make them click when the real season begins.
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