Mourinho’s Madrid Opens Preseason with Experimental 4-2-3-1

Real Madrid eased into their first preseason outing against Alcorcón with a side that looked more like a laboratory than a settled XI, as José Mourinho rolled out an attacking 4-2-3-1 and handed key roles to several young and fringe players.

On paper, the structure was clear. On the pitch, it was still a work in progress.

Bold Shape, New Faces

Mourinho anchored his midfield with Camavinga and Cestero as the double pivot, asking them to both protect and build. Ahead of them, Güler took on the responsibility of the No. 10 role, operating behind Gonzalo and Valero, with Mastantuono stretching the play from the wings.

At the back, Alexander-Arnold started at right-back, Huijsen and Asencio formed the central defensive pairing, and Carreras filled the left flank. Lunin, as expected, took his place in goal.

It was a lineup that mixed promise with curiosity. Established talents rubbed shoulders with Castilla products, and the shape hinted at how Mourinho might want his side to attack in the months ahead.

Missed Penalty Sets the Tone

The game’s first real flashpoint arrived within the opening 25 minutes, the period in which the session was open to the press. Mastantuono forced the issue, winning a penalty and injecting some edge into what had been a measured preseason rhythm.

Güler stepped up. Lunin watched from the opposite box. The moment felt made for a statement.

Instead, Alcorcón’s goalkeeper guessed right and pushed away Güler’s effort. The chance went begging, and with it, Madrid’s best opportunity of the half.

The miss did not derail Madrid’s control, but it underlined the rust that inevitably comes with a first friendly. Movements were there, combinations flickered, yet the final touch lacked sharpness.

Goalless at the Break, Changes Coming

The first half closed at 0-0, a scoreline that told only part of the story. Madrid moved the ball, probed down the flanks, and tried to feed Güler between the lines. Alcorcón held firm, defended the box with discipline, and rode their luck from the spot.

For Mourinho, the real work starts after the interval.

With this being the opening friendly of the preseason stage, sweeping changes are expected. Castilla players are set to be given significant minutes, a chance to impress under a manager who rarely wastes an audition. The senior names, meanwhile, will use these early outings to sharpen their fitness and rhythm.

The result on the day will matter little. The choices Mourinho makes from here will say far more about what this Real Madrid might become.