Valverde returns as captain in Real Madrid's second preseason friendly

Second friendly, first captain. After watching from the stands against Alcorcón, Federico Valverde returns to the pitch as the big news for Real Madrid's second preseason test. The match against Leganés kicks off at 18:00 at the Di Stéfano Stadium.

The fixture will follow the same unorthodox format as last Friday: the first 20 minutes will be broadcast, followed by a media blackout. Media personnel will be allowed to remain in the stands for the same duration. Real Madrid protocol.

In the first match, Real Madrid won but failed to convince. A penalty goal by Yáñez in the 81st minute secured the victory. Today offers a second chance — a second bullet.

Expected Lineup: Ten First-Team Players

A starting XI is anticipated featuring:

• Goalkeeper: Lunin
• Defense: Trent, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras
• Midfield: Camavinga and Valverde (Cestero likely to drop out)
• Attack: Mastantuono (right), Güler (playmaker), Gonzalo (striker)

The left wing remains uncertain. In the first trial, Gabri Valero occupied the position. He could repeat, but Palacios and even Ciria are also strong contenders. The role will go to a youth academy player.

Many Minutes for the First Team

Beyond these names, no further first-team players are available — not yet, at least. Against Alcorcón, the vast majority of first-team players received 70 minutes of playing time. After that, La Fábrica (the youth academy) took center stage. The score remained 0-0 until then, making it fair to say the youth team won that friendly.

Güler missed a penalty in the 2nd minute, and Yáñez scored the winner almost in stoppage time. Tactical details emerged, including a formation that shifted to a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-2-3-1. However, the inevitable lack of match rhythm was also evident.

Hierarchy as the Antidote

Hierarchy serves as the remedy for that lack of rhythm. *Valverde — the Halcón — will make his debut as first captain this afternoon.* He inherits the armband following Carvajal's departure (Vinicius becomes second captain, Courtois third, and Rodrygo fourth).

Valverde returned to training on July 22. Today he will start, with the mystery remaining of what role Mourinho has planned for him — whether in a double pivot with a more positional approach, or as the box-to-box midfielder who has demonstrated Galáctico-level quality.

It is his time. It is his afternoon.

Dumfries Present, But Not Ready

Denzel Dumfries is also expected at Valdebebas today. However, sources from the club report that he will train (having started yesterday) but is in no condition to play. Piano piano — slowly, slowly.