Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruña on Wednesday in the Teresa Herrera Trophy, with Brahim Díaz scoring the only goal of the match.
The game represented the penultimate pre-season fixture for José Mourinho’s side before the official return of La Liga, which is now just ten days away. The Portuguese coach was still unable to call on several important players, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, Marc Cucurella and marquee summer signing Yan Diomandé. Most of them could return for Real Madrid’s final warm-up match against Schalke 04 on Sunday.
For the tenth time in their history, Real Madrid lifted the Teresa Herrera Trophy, during the 81st edition of the prestigious tournament organised by Deportivo La Coruña.
The decisive moment came through Brahim Díaz, who produced an excellent finish after a long ball from Andriy Lunin. The Moroccan international showed strength and determination to hold off the recovering defenders before finding the back of the net and giving Madrid the victory.
The main things to remember
It was not the most spectacular encounter of Real Madrid’s pre-season. Clear chances were limited for both teams and the rhythm of the game was sometimes relatively low. However, there were still several positive signs for Mourinho.
One of them was the performance of Andriy Lunin, who kept Real Madrid’s first clean sheet of the pre-season. The Ukrainian goalkeeper was composed when required and also played an important role in Brahim’s winning goal.
At kick-off, Mourinho selected Eduardo Camavinga alongside Bernardo Silva in the double pivot. The French midfielder delivered an encouraging performance, recovering several balls and helping Madrid control possession. Later in the match, he was moved to the left side of midfield.
Dean Huijsen also impressed defensively, showing calmness and solidity at the back. Antonio Rüdiger, on the other hand, looked slightly less secure and experienced a few difficult moments.
In attack, Endrick enjoyed a positive first half while leading the line. The Brazilian was replaced at the break by Carlos Espí. The Spanish striker thought he had scored during the second half, but his effort was eventually ruled out for offside.
Appreciating this one again. That first touch from Brahim and ensuing control… Preceded by Lunin heads up assist. Great execution from both.
— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) August 12, 2026
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Madrid’s left side, featuring Álvaro Carreras and Vinícius Junior, was relatively quiet. Most of the attacking danger came from the opposite flank, where Brahim Díaz and Denzel Dumfries were much more active.
Dumfries once again demonstrated his versatility. After Trent Alexander-Arnold entered the game, the Dutchman moved higher up the pitch and finished the match operating as a right midfielder.
Meanwhile, Arda Güler was less influential than in Real Madrid’s previous pre-season matches. The Turkish playmaker played only the first half and struggled to impose himself consistently.
Overall, Mourinho will be satisfied with another victory, another trophy and, above all, a clean sheet. Real Madrid now have one final preparation match against Schalke before turning their full attention towards the start of the new La Liga season.
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