Real Madrid’s bright start fades as Fiorentina expose flaws in Mourinho’s rebuild

Real Madrid’s encouraging first-half performance gave way to a worrying collapse after the break as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Fiorentina in Saturday’s friendly.

The result was decided by goals from Endrick and Alexis Ciria for Real Madrid, while the match also saw first appearances for Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espe. Although pre-season defeats do not carry the same consequences as competitive losses, the second-half decline provided manager Jose Mourinho with plenty to assess.

Real Madrid looked the more aggressive side during the opening period, pressing with greater intent and working hard to regain possession. Their approach became less effective after half-time, however, with the team struggling through a disjointed spell that raised concerns about their ability to maintain the same intensity across a full match.

The draw was not considered a damaging outcome at this stage of the campaign, but Real Madrid are continuing to record their observations as Mourinho evaluates his squad. The Portuguese manager is conducting a broad review of the group, attempting to identify which players are capable of remaining involved and which may not merit further opportunities.

He is also using the current period to assess academy players and help the squad move beyond the psychological impact of the previous two seasons, both of which ended without silverware.

Dumfries made his first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt but did not make a major impression. Carlos Espe was also involved for the first time, while Trent Alexander-Arnold showed signs of greater development, particularly in attack. His attacking contribution stood out more than his defensive work against Fiorentina.

Arda Guler produced several moments of technical quality, while Endrick played with considerable enthusiasm. That energy helped him find the net, but his eagerness and desire to prove himself also appeared to work against him at times, leading to an overly hurried performance.

Mourinho’s tactical ideas are beginning to take shape. Real Madrid are working primarily in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the shape occasionally changing into a 3-4-2-1. That system is intended to allow Diomande, once he joins, to play alongside Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Such an attacking structure would place significant demands on the defence, making a strong and reliable back line essential.

Against Fiorentina, Real Madrid started with seven first-team players and four from the reserve side. Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde operated in midfield, with Guler positioned behind the striker.

Alexander-Arnold performed a hybrid role, moving between a third centre-back position and that of an additional midfielder. Dumfries pushed forward frequently on the right, a natural approach for a player who generally prefers operating in the opposition half rather than concentrating on defensive duties.

Mourinho also gave opportunities to two young defenders with experience in Real Madrid’s youth system and Spain’s age-group teams: 18-year-old Joan Martinez and 19-year-old Mario Rivas, the son of former defender Nano Rivas.