Real Madrid kicked off their preseason campaign with a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in a friendly match played at Soldier Field in Chicago. While the result might not hold much significance in the grand scheme of things, the game provided valuable insights into the progress of both teams as they gear up for the upcoming season.

A Look at the Match

The match saw a number of Real Madrid's key players sidelined, giving opportunities for younger players to showcase their abilities. One such player was Endrick, the highly-touted Brazilian forward who made his Real Madrid debut in the game. Although Endrick didn't find the back of the net, he showcased his talent with several dangerous passing attempts that narrowly missed their mark, demonstrating that he's more than just a goal scorer.

Despite the absence of several key players, Real Madrid started the game strong, with goalkeeper Thibault Courtois putting in a solid performance in the first half. However, the second half saw a change in momentum, as Milan began to dominate possession and create more scoring opportunities. Ultimately, it was Samuel Chukwueze who broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the Real Madrid box to secure the win for AC Milan.

Real Madrid Player Performances

Courtois

The Belgian goalkeeper was a standout performer for Real Madrid in the first half, making several crucial saves, including a diving stop against Chukwueze. He was replaced at half-time by Andriy Lunin, who had a less impressive showing.

Lucas Vázquez

The Galician right-back delivered a solid performance, frequently pushing forward into attack and posing a threat. He showcased his energy and fitness throughout the game, though he wasn't able to connect with any of the forwards effectively.

Vallejo

The Aragonese defender had a mixed performance. He started the match strongly, saving a good attempt from Milan, but later failed to reach a pass that almost resulted in a goal. He played the first half.

Rüdiger

Despite limited training sessions, Rüdiger looked sharp in his runs and strong in duels. He even ventured forward in attack, demonstrating his readiness for the European Super Cup. He played the first half.

Fran García

The left-back offered little in attack, diminishing his overall impact. He also showed some lapses in defense and lacked toughness in duels. He played more offensively in the second half, but also made some errors that could have been costly.

Modric

The Croatian veteran started well, displaying his physical readiness and organizational skills in midfield. He showed his excellent outside foot on several occasions, but stayed away from the goal, with no opportunities to shoot. He played the first half.

Mario Martín

Martín had a mixed performance, starting the game with a terrible back pass that almost resulted in a goal for Chukwueze, but then showcasing intensity and pressing throughout the match. He was involved in the action leading to Chukwueze's goal, where he could have made a foul to stop the play.

Ceballos

The Sevillian midfielder showed a lot of movement and added depth to the game, but suffered from his usual flaw of holding onto the ball too long, slowing the game down. He continued in the second half, combining good actions with some overly slow ones.

Güler

The Turkish winger had a very complete first half, showcasing his directed controls, through passes, and pressing efforts. He dropped back to defend despite playing as a winger, highlighting his commitment to the team.

Endrick

The Brazilian forward made his highly anticipated Real Madrid debut, but didn't have much luck. He didn't take any shots but fought hard and made several dangerous passing attempts that narrowly missed their mark. He showed his potential to be more than just a goal scorer, setting up a ball for Brahim that almost resulted in the opening goal.

Brahim

The winger was a bit subdued in dribbling but combined well near the box. He had Real Madrid's most dangerous chance with a shot from the edge of the box that went just wide. However, he was involved in Milan's 1-0 goal, making a poor pass that led to Chukwueze's goal.

Lunin

The Ukrainian goalkeeper came on in the second half. He performed poorly in the lead-up to Chukwueze's goal, being too slow to close down the space. He corrected this in a subsequent similar action.

What's Next for Real Madrid

The friendly match against AC Milan served as a valuable learning experience for Real Madrid, particularly for the younger players who were given a chance to impress. While the result was not favorable, the team showcased its potential and highlighted the importance of working together as a team. With a number of key players expected to return soon, Real Madrid will look to continue their preparations for the upcoming season and build on the lessons learned from their first preseason match. Their next pre-season game is against Barcelona, and everyone will be looking to see if Endrick can get on the score sheet for the first time, and if the team can redeem themselves after losing to Milan.

Real Madrid's Friendly Match Results: A Look Back

Real Madrid's recent pre-season friendly match against AC Milan was their first outing of the new season, marking the start of a period of intense preparation for the upcoming La Liga campaign. The match was notable for the debut of young Brazilian forward Endrick, a highly anticipated signing. While the 1-0 defeat against AC Milan might not be the start Real Madrid envisioned, it offered valuable experience for the players and a chance for manager Carlo Ancelotti to assess his squad's current level.

Real Madrid's upcoming schedule promises an exciting set of friendlies, including the highly anticipated 'El Clasico' against Barcelona, a key match for fans to witness the latest developments in the club's roster and tactical approach.

Looking Ahead: The Importance of Pre-Season Friendlies

Pre-season friendlies are crucial for teams like Real Madrid, providing a platform to assess new signings, experiment with tactics, and build team cohesion before the competitive season begins. These matches allow managers to evaluate players' fitness, performance, and tactical understanding, giving them valuable insights to refine their strategies.

While results in pre-season friendlies may not be of paramount importance, they offer a glimpse into the potential of the team and provide a platform for players to gain confidence and experience. As Real Madrid continues its pre-season tour, fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments, particularly the progress of new signings like Endrick and the team's overall tactical evolution.

The Endrick Era: A New Chapter for Real Madrid

Endrick's arrival at Real Madrid is a sign of the club's commitment to securing the best young talent in the world. The Brazilian forward is seen as a potential future star, and his debut against AC Milan was a glimpse into what fans can expect from the young player. As he acclimatizes to the team and the demands of La Liga, fans will be keen to witness his growth and potential to become a central figure in Real Madrid's attacking line.

Real Madrid: A Club Built on Tradition and Innovation

Real Madrid's long and illustrious history is a testament to the club's ability to adapt to the changing landscape of football. From its rich tradition of success to its constant pursuit of innovation, Real Madrid continues to be a dominant force in the world of football. As the club embarks on the new season, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Real Madrid's story, a story that promises to be filled with excitement, drama, and the pursuit of glory.