Real Madrid’s Fiorentina draw gives Jose Mourinho a fresh attacking idea

Real Madrid produced two contrasting performances in a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina on Saturday, but their first strong friendly of pre-season offered Jose Mourinho an encouraging new attacking option.

The Spanish side led by two goals before allowing Fiorentina to recover, with Endrick marking his first appearance since returning from French club Lyon by scoring. New arrival Carlos Espi also made his debut for Real Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid’s first-half display reflected Mourinho’s ideas. The team looked organised, combative and aggressive without the ball, pressing high and showing a clear intention to win possession before launching quick attacks.

Endrick opened the scoring with a powerful shot after receiving a pass from Arda Guler. Real Madrid then doubled their advantage when Eduardo Camavinga created the opportunity for the young striker Seria, who finished the move. Fiorentina pulled a goal back before half-time.

The match changed considerably after the interval. Fiorentina began the second half in control and repeatedly threatened Andriy Lunin’s goal, while Real Madrid’s performance dropped noticeably.

Moise Kean completed the comeback with a header shortly after coming on, bringing Fiorentina level and highlighting the change in momentum. Real Madrid had struggled to reproduce the intensity and organisation they had shown before the break.

Mourinho responded by making several substitutions in an attempt to regain control. One of the most notable changes saw Carlos Espi replace Endrick. Yanez was also introduced after Denzel Dumfries left the pitch.

The changes helped Real Madrid restore some balance, although the game became increasingly disrupted as both teams made further substitutions. Neither side was able to establish the same rhythm that had characterised the opening period.

Real Madrid nevertheless came close to winning in the closing stages. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a precise cross into the area, and Carlos Espi met it with a header that went narrowly wide of the goal.

That late move provided a glimpse of a potentially important attacking combination for the coming season. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to deliver accurate balls from wide areas, combined with Carlos Espi’s finishing and aerial presence, could give Real Madrid a different route to goal.

The draw therefore offered a mixed assessment of the team’s preparations. Real Madrid showed the intensity and tactical discipline Mourinho is seeking in the first half, but their level fell after the break as Fiorentina seized control.

Endrick’s goal was another positive from the match, while Carlos Espi’s debut and his near-winning header added to the sense that Real Madrid may have discovered an alternative attacking weapon. However, the successive substitutions made by both teams reduced the tempo and disrupted the contest before the final whistle.