Real Madrid Stuns Fans with Shock Preseason Friendly Reveal

Real Madrid have announced they will participate in a single preseason match this summer, confirming a fixture against Austrian club WSG Tirol scheduled for August 12.

The Spanish giants had initially avoided scheduling any summer friendlies after their Club World Cup participation, hoping to postpone their La Liga season opener to provide additional recovery time for their squad.

However, Spanish football authorities have denied Madrid's postponement request, stating that Xabi Alonso has sufficient time to prepare his team for the new campaign. Los Blancos are anticipated to challenge this decision.

As they wait for a final verdict, Madrid have now announced their intention to visit Austria to take on WSG Tirol one week prior to their season kickoff on August 19.

AS reports that Madrid will not establish a training camp in Austria, as club management aims to limit the match's disruption to their new season preparations. Alonso's squad is set to depart Austria immediately following the encounter.

The WSG Tirol fixture falls directly within Madrid's 15-day preseason period and will serve to develop match fitness after a three-week hiatus following the Club World Cup's completion.

Tirol compete in Austria's premier division but concluded the 2024–25 campaign in 10th place among 12 teams, struggling to avoid demotion from the league. Evidently, Madrid are overwhelming favorites in what is viewed as a fitness-building exercise rather than a competitive test.

Alonso's team will then return promptly to Spain for their remaining preparation days before launching their La Liga season against Osasuna.