It starts now! Real Madrid vs Tirol and where to watch the friendly match live at 2 pm in Austria with Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.
Real Madrid takes the field this Tuesday, August 12, 2025, to face WSG Tirol in a pre-season friendly at Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck, Austria, at 2:00 PM (Brasília time). The match, broadcast live on SportyNet’s YouTube channel and its pay-TV channel, marks Xabi Alonso’s first official test as head coach after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. Featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., the Spanish side aims to regain momentum following a 4-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semifinal. The game serves as preparation for their La Liga debut against Osasuna on August 19 at Santiago Bernabéu. For WSG Tirol, leaders of the Austrian Bundesliga, the match is a unique opportunity to test themselves against a global football giant, despite the vast technical gap.
Expectations are for a Madrid-dominated game, but WSG Tirol, with 11 goals in three matches this season, may surprise with quick counterattacks. Xabi Alonso will use the friendly to test young prospects like Thiago Pitarch and fine-tune tactics ahead of the official season.
- Main objective: Prepare Real Madrid for the 2025-26 season with cohesion and rhythm.
- Game highlights: Presence of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Álvaro Carreras’ debut.
- Notable absences: Bellingham, Camavinga, Mendy, and Endrick, all recovering.
- Broadcast: YouTube (SportyNet), SportyNet (pay-TV), Real Madrid TV (Spain).
Xabi Alonso’s new era
Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and standout coach at Bayer Leverkusen, takes on the challenge of leading the club into a new era. The friendly against WSG Tirol is the first public test of his tactical ideas, which emphasize possession, quick transitions, and high pressing. The 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup exposed defensive vulnerabilities, and Alonso has been working intensively at Valdebebas to address these issues.
The coach opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Brahim Díaz forming a fast and lethal attack. In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dani Ceballos will set the tempo, while Arda Güler looks to showcase his talent. The defense, bolstered by Éder Militão and Trent Alexander-Arnold, features Álvaro Carreras’ debut at left-back, a moment eagerly awaited by fans.
- Tactical setup: 4-3-3, focusing on possession and rapid wing attacks.
- Young prospect: Thiago Pitarch, 18, may get minutes in the second half.
- Anticipated debut: Álvaro Carreras, formerly of Manchester United, strengthens the left flank.
- Tactical challenge: Fix defensive flaws seen in the Club World Cup.
WSG Tirol’s strength
WSG Tirol, though modest compared to Real Madrid, is riding a wave of confidence. Leading the Austrian Bundesliga, the team has secured two wins in two league games and a 4-0 rout in the Austrian Cup. Under Philipp Semlic’s guidance, they employ a 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasizing defensive organization and swift counterattacks.
Players like Lukas Hinterseer, known for his speed, and Florian Rieder, a creative force, are the team’s main weapons. Despite their strong start, facing Real Madrid is a challenge on another level, and their strategy will likely focus on resisting early pressure and exploiting any opponent errors.
Stars on the pitch
The friendly highlights some of football’s biggest names. Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s main star, aims to regain confidence after lackluster performances in the Club World Cup. Vinícius Jr., the team’s captain and technical leader, is expected to shine with his dribbling and goals. For WSG Tirol, Lukas Hinterseer will lead the attack, while Valentino Müller, with five goals this season, poses a threat in midfield.
Álvaro Carreras’ debut, as a 22-year-old left-back returning from Manchester United, adds intrigue. Youngster Thiago Pitarch, who scored in a closed-door friendly against Leganés, may get a chance to impress.
- Kylian Mbappé: Seeks to reclaim protagonism with goals and assists.
- Vinícius Jr.: Leader on the pitch, with dribbling and speed as key assets.
- Álvaro Carreras: Official debut at Real Madrid’s left-back position.
- Lukas Hinterseer: WSG Tirol’s speedy forward, their main hope.
- Thiago Pitarch: 18-year-old prospect with a chance to shine.
- WSG Tirol (3-4-2-1): Stejskal; Lawrence, Böckle, Boras; Huetz, Schweighofer, Müller, Wels; Hinterseer, Rieder; Votter.
- Técnicos: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) e Philipp Semlic (WSG Tirol).
History and match setting
The matchup is a first-ever clash between Real Madrid and WSG Tirol. The Spanish club has a strong record against Austrian teams, with 15 wins in 25 matches, including games against Salzburg and Austria Vienna. Tivoli Stadion, with a 17,000-fan capacity, expects a full house, driven by the presence of stars like Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.
Austria is a recurring pre-season destination for Real Madrid, with notable games like the 2021 draw against AC Milan. The match against WSG Tirol continues this tradition, offering a vibrant setting and a competitive opponent for final preparations before La Liga.
La Liga preparations
With the Osasuna clash a week away, Real Madrid sees the friendly as a gauge for squad cohesion. Xabi Alonso must integrate new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen while managing the absence of key players like Jude Bellingham, recovering from shoulder surgery, and Eduardo Camavinga, sidelined by an ankle injury.
Training at Valdebebas has focused on set pieces and physical conditioning, with Alonso emphasizing aggressive pressing and finishing efficiency. The friendly is also a chance to test reserves and youngsters, ensuring depth for a demanding season.
- Main focus: Blend starters and reserves before the La Liga debut.
- Intense training: Emphasis on high pressing and set pieces.
- Absences: Bellingham, Camavinga, and Endrick limit midfield options.
- New signings: Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen aim to secure spots.
Match expectations
Analysts predict a one-sided game, with Real Madrid’s attack, led by Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., exploiting WSG Tirol’s defensive weaknesses. The technical gap suggests a lopsided scoreline, but WSG Tirol could surprise if they maintain defensive organization and capitalize on counterattacks. Referee Markus Hameter, known for a low card average, should ensure a fluid game, favoring spectacle.
For fans, the friendly is a chance to see Xabi Alonso’s new Real Madrid in action, blending established stars and emerging talents. For WSG Tirol, it’s a platform to showcase their potential globally, despite slim chances of victory.
Broadcast and engagement
The live broadcast on SportyNet’s YouTube channel makes the game accessible, while SportyNet’s pay-TV and Real Madrid TV (in Spain) cater to different audiences. Tivoli Stadion expects an enthusiastic crowd, with tickets available on WSG Tirol’s official website. Fans will also engage online, with real-time reactions to Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and the debutants’ performances.
- Where to watch: YouTube (SportyNet), SportyNet (pay-TV), Real Madrid TV (Spain).
- Time: 2:00 PM (Brasília), 7:00 PM (CEST).
- Venue: Tivoli Stadion, Innsbruck, with a 17,000-fan capacity.
- Online engagement: Fans follow and comment on social media.
