Schalke 04 Takes On Real Madrid: Key Matchup Breakdown, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups

Real Madrid wrap up their preseason campaign with a trip to Germany, where they will take on Schalke 04 on Sunday.

The 15-time European champions have already played five preseason fixtures and remain unbeaten under new manager José Mourinho. Los Blancos beat Alcorcón and Leganés in closed-door matches before drawing 2–2 with Fiorentina, then followed up with wins over Ferencváros and Deportivo La Coruña.

Several of those friendlies were played without key first-team players, but that could change as the La Liga season opener approaches. Mourinho has now welcomed back his full squad from their summer holidays and will be keen to field his expected starting lineup against Bundesliga opposition.

Schalke head into the friendly having won four of their six preseason outings, though they will still be smarting from a 3–0 loss to Atalanta. The German club's final warmup match comes against Real Madrid before they shift focus to the DFB-Pokal.

Schalke vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Real Madrid Extend Unbeaten Run

Los Blancos may still not be at full capacity for Sunday's friendly, but they should possess enough quality to overcome Schalke. Players such as Arda Güler, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde have already accumulated significant minutes this summer, with Vinícius Júnior gradually catching up.

The arrivals of Kylian Mbappé, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham, among others, should prove too much for the Bundesliga side to handle.

Mourinho's side have scored in every preseason match so far and will fancy their chances against a shaky Schalke defense that recently conceded three goals at home to a side well below Real Madrid's level.

The 15-time European champions are not without their vulnerabilities, however. Defensive concerns remain, and Schalke will certainly have opportunities to catch Real Madrid on the break.

Prediction: Schalke 1–2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Schalke

Mourinho remains without Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, Éder Militão, Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Thiago Pitarch and Rodrygo. Endrick has also joined the treatment room after picking up an overload issue in training.

The Brazilian's unavailability creates an opportunity for new recruit Carlos Espí to earn his first start. Mbappé is fit but will likely come on as a substitute—if he features at all. The same applies to recent returnees Bellingham and Marc Cucurella.

Diomande could make his first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt, though Brahim Díaz is expected to start on Sunday.

With Tchouaméni sidelined, Mourinho may opt for a double pivot pairing Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde for the first time this preseason. The Portuguese coach still needs to settle on his ideal midfield setup following reports that Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Schalke (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Silva, Valverde; Díaz, Güler, Vinícius Jr; Espí.

Schalke Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

In contrast to Real Madrid, Schalke are largely fit and available. Miron Muslić will only be missing Adrian Gantenbein, who is still recovering from a right ankle injury.

Loris Karius is set to start in goal, coming up against the very club that effectively derailed his Liverpool career. The goalkeeper's error-strewn display in the 2018 Champions League final helped Los Blancos complete an unprecedented Champions League three-peat.

In the middle of the park, new arrival Satoshi Tanaka could make his unofficial debut and get some valuable minutes before the competitive season gets underway.

Edin Džeko will lead the attack, tasked with giving his side a genuine chance against their Spanish opponents. The striker had a quiet 2026 World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer and will be eager to make an impression after penning a one-year contract extension with Schalke.

Schalke predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Karius; Becker, Katić, Kuruçay, Gosens; Schallenberg, Tanaka, Grüger; Porath, Džeko, Karaman.

What Time Does Schalke vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?

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