Match preview for Tirol v Real Madrid
Real Madrid will play their only pre-season fixture of the summer on Tuesday when they travel to Austria to face Tirol.
Xabi Alonso’s side have been out of competitive action since their 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals on July 9.
Now, just a week before their La Liga opener against Osasuna, Los Blancos will use this match as their one and only tune-up.
With Barcelona having set the benchmark high last season, Madrid’s new coach will face instant pressure to deliver.
The club has strengthened in the transfer market with the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and exciting teenage talent Franco Mastantuono, who joins the squad later this month when he turns 18.
After Osasuna, Madrid’s league schedule continues with games against Real Oviedo and Mallorca, before a September clash with Real Sociedad.
Tirol, meanwhile, are already in full swing. They began the season with a 4-0 Austrian Cup win over Traiskirchen, followed by two league wins – 4-2 against Hartberg and 3-1 over LASK.
Sitting top of the Austrian Bundesliga, Philipp Semlic’s side are brimming with confidence ahead of their return to league action against GAK on August 16.
While this match is only a friendly, a strong showing against one of Europe’s giants would be a significant morale boost.
Team news for Tirol v Real Madrid
Tirol’s packed schedule, with this fixture coming just two days after their league match, means there will likely be plenty of rotation.
Midfielder Valentino Muller has been in outstanding form, netting five goals in three games from a deeper role.
Forwards Tobias Anselm and Moritz Wels, both with two goals so far this season, are also expected to feature.
Real Madrid are without Jude Bellingham, who is sidelined until at least October following shoulder surgery, while Eduardo Camavinga is nursing an ankle problem.
Rodrygo’s future remains the subject of transfer speculation, but with key absentees in midfield, he could start alongside Kylian Mbappe and VinÃcius Junior in attack.
New signings Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and Carreras are all expected to make the starting XI.
Mastantuono will not be involved as he cannot officially join the squad until his 18th birthday on August 14.
Expected line-ups for Tirol v Real Madrid
Tirol: Stejskal; Boras, Gugganig, Lawrence; Butler, Taferner, Muller, Bockle; Wels, Anselm, Sabitzer
Real Madrid: Courtois; Tchouameni, Rudiger, Huijsen; Alexander-Arnold, Guler, Valverde, Carreras; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
How to watch Tirol v Real Madrid: TV channel, online stream
Broadcast and streaming details will depend on the region, with coverage expected from both Spanish and Austrian broadcasters – and each club likely streaming the action.
The match will kick-off at 18:00 BST.
The stats for Tirol v Real Madrid
- Tirol have 3 wins from 3 matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding
- Valentino Muller is the top scorer with 5 goals in 3 appearances
- Madrid’s only pre-season friendly
- Missing Jude Bellingham (shoulder), Eduardo Camavinga (ankle) through injury
- No previous competitive meetings
- Spanish clubs are unbeaten in last 10 matches vs Austrian opposition (W8, D2)
Prediction
Tirol’s sharpness from being mid-season will give them a competitive edge early on, but Real Madrid’s superior individual quality should see them take control and claim a comfortable win in their final warm-up before La Liga kicks off.
Prediction: Tirol 1-3 Real Madrid