Real Madrid Field Youth-Heavy Squad in Austria Preseason Match

Real Madrid is set to play its only preseason friendly of the summer against Austrian Bundesliga leaders WSG Tirol in Innsbruck as they prepare for the 2025/26 La Liga season under new coach Xabi Alonso. The match serves as a crucial tune-up ahead of their La Liga opener against Osasuna, with Alonso expected to test various tactical systems, including 5-3-2, 4-4-2, and 4-3-3, while deciding on key lineup choices such as whether to start newly promoted Gonzalo Garcia alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. Notable absences due to injury include midfielders Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, while new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras are expected to feature, alongside promising youth talents. WSG Tirol, who have started their domestic season strongly, will likely rotate players due to a congested schedule but remain confident with standout performers like midfielder Valentino Muller in form. This friendly represents a final opportunity for Real Madrid to solidify their squad and tactics before the competitive season begins, amid high expectations to challenge Barcelona domestically and in the Champions League.