Endrick and Ciria Score as José Mourinho Returns in 2-2 Real Madrid Draw

José Mourinho’s first game back in charge of Real Madrid ended in a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina, featuring a 12th-minute goal from Endrick.

Real Madrid secured a 2-2 draw against Fiorentina on Saturday at the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria. This preseason friendly served as the inaugural match for José Mourinho in his second stint as manager, returning to the Spanish capital for the first time since his 2010–2013 tenure. Brazilian forward Endrick initiated the scoring in the 12th minute, driving a low effort past goalkeeper David de Gea. The advantage doubled when academy product Alexis Ciria found the net later in the opening period, capitalizing on a precise assist delivered by Eduardo Camavinga. Fiorentina mounted a comeback through Roberto Piccoli, who unleashed a powerful strike that beat Andriy Lunin, followed by an equalizer from Moise Kean to finalize the scoreline.

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For this opening fixture in Austria, Mourinho deployed a starting XI comprised of eight established first-team players and three prospects from the youth system. The senior contingent featured Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Denzel Dumfries, and Endrick. Joining them were academy graduates Joan Martínez, Mario Rivas, and the goalscorer Ciria. Denzel Dumfries, a recent summer acquisition, logged 75 minutes of action during his debut appearance. Endrick featured prominently in the attack after returning from a loan spell at Lyon during the latter half of the previous campaign.

Carlos Espí made his first appearance for the club as a second-half substitute, arriving on the pitch just days after his transfer was finalized. The forward signed his contract on Thursday in a move that caught many observers by surprise. Within 72 hours of his arrival, he was thrust into match action, nearly clinching a victory with a late header that narrowly missed the target. Mourinho provided specific tactical instructions to the newcomer, urging him to maintain his natural style of play while prioritizing positioning within the opposition penalty area. The young striker noted the intensity of the transition from signing to competing on the field.

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Following the final whistle, Espí shared his enthusiasm with the media, describing himself as the happiest man in the world due to the rapid nature of his debut. He emphasized that he had already completed training sessions and participated in a match despite his very brief time at the club. The fixture provided the first tactical blueprint of the squad under the Portuguese manager's new leadership. While the Spanish side established a two-goal cushion during the first 45 minutes, the defensive unit could not prevent the Italian side from leveling the contest during the second half.

Logistical preparations for the season continued in Klagenfurt as the team integrated several new faces into the rotation. The match served as a fitness test for players like Valverde and Camavinga, who anchored the midfield for significant portions of the game. Reports surrounding the squad suggest that the club hierarchy is currently unwilling to improve their existing contract offer to Vini, leaving the door open for a potential departure. The draw concludes the first chapter of the preseason tour, with the technical staff now shifting focus toward refining the defensive shape that allowed the two-goal lead to evaporate. Mourinho’s return highlights a shift in the club's sporting direction as they prepare for the upcoming domestic and European campaigns.