Real Madrid line up behind-closed-doors friendly to be played on July 28

Real Madrid line up behind-closed-doors friendly to be played on July 28 Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations are gathering pace, with Jose Mourinho set to get a significant opportunity to assess his squad before the club begins its schedule of summer friendlies. According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez , Madrid will face Leganes in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Valdebebas on Tuesday, July 28.  The match will not be open to the general public or the media, but it will form an important part of Mourinho’s preparations ahead of the new campaign. The fixture comes just over two weeks after Real Madrid began pre-season training on July 13, with players returning in phases following their involvement at the FIFA World Cup. Real Madrid to face Leganes The match in question will be a meeting with Leganes, which is expected to provide Mourinho with valuable minutes for players still building match fitness after staggered returns to training. With several internationals joining the squad later than others, the Portuguese coach has had limited opportunities to work with his full group.  A controlled fixture away from the spotlight offers the ideal setting to continue integrating new signings, evaluate tactical ideas and gradually increase players’ workloads before competitive football returns. Real Madrid pre-season schedule Real Madrid have already confirmed two high-profile friendlies before the start of the new season. The first will see Mourinho’s side take on Fiorentina in Austria on August 1, before returning to Spain to face Deportivo La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy on August 12. There could still be another addition to the calendar. Recent reports have suggested Madrid are in advanced discussions over a friendly against Schalke at the Veltins Arena, with the match provisionally pencilled in for August 16.  While an agreement has not yet been finalised, negotiations are understood to be progressing, and only minor details remain before the fixture can be confirmed.