What’s up! Mbappé shines with a stunning goal in a Real Madrid vs. WSG Tirol friendly in Austria

Real Madrid faces WSG Tirol today, August 12, 2025, at Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck, Austria, in their only pre-season friendly before the LaLiga kickoff. With a 2-0 lead by the 18th minute of the first half, Xabi Alonso’s team shows strength with goals from Eder Militão and a stunning goal from Kylian Mbappé, who dominates the area and turns to score, standing out in the match. The Austrian side, already in competitive rhythm in the local Bundesliga, struggles to resist, but Real Madrid imposes its offensive game. The match, still ongoing, serves as a crucial test for Alonso’s new project, blending young talents and established stars. The game reflects the Spanish club’s preparation for the 2025/26 season.

The match began with Real Madrid pressing from the opening whistle. Alonso’s lineup, featuring Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and newcomers Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and Carreras, signals the intent to test the starting core. WSG Tirol, meanwhile, opts for a more defensive setup with Stejskal in goal and players like Hinterseer and Vötter in attack but struggles to contain Madrid’s momentum.

The crowd at Tivoli Stadion, with a capacity of 17,000, creates a vibrant atmosphere, with a warm reception for David Alaba, an Austrian idol at Real Madrid. The game, broadcast live on channels like La 1, Sky Sport Austria, and RTVE Play, draws global attention.

• Key highlights of the match so far:
  • Quick goals from Militão and Mbappé establish the lead.
  • Promising debut from Álvaro Carreras at left-back.
  • Real Madrid’s dominant 65% ball possession.

First half in focus

Real Madrid opened the scoring at the 10th minute, with Eder Militão rising highest to head in a corner from Arda Güler. The goal rewarded the early pressure from the Spaniards, who controlled possession from the start. Three minutes later, at the 13th minute, Mbappé showed why he’s a key figure in the squad. After receiving a pass from Vinicius Junior, he controlled the ball with precision in the box, dribbled past defender Schweighofer, and finished with a precise shot, leaving goalkeeper Stejskal with no chance.

WSG Tirol tried to respond with long balls to Hinterseer, but Madrid’s defense, led by Huijsen and Militão, neutralized their efforts. The Austrian side earned two dangerous free kicks but failed to convert them into clear chances. With 65% possession, Real Madrid’s tactical dominance under Alonso relies on quick transitions and wing play.

Mbappé, leaner and in top physical form as noted in recent training, has been the standout. His constant movement and decisiveness in the opponent’s box highlight his importance for the season. Vinicius Junior, with his speed, also poses constant problems for Tirol’s defense.

Key moments timeline

The match, up to the 18th minute, has seen intense moments, with Real Madrid controlling the tempo. Below are the main moments of the game:

• 1’: Real Madrid starts with two free kicks, pressing Tirol’s ball progression.
• 7’: Mbappé shoots dangerously after a corner, but Stejskal saves.
• 8’: Arda Güler forces a corner with a deflected shot; Tirol responds with a goal kick.
• 10’: Eder Militão scores with a header from Güler’s corner.
• 13’: Mbappé’s stunning goal, controlling in the box and finishing after Vinicius’ pass.

Xabi Alonso’s new project

Xabi Alonso, in his first full season as Real Madrid’s coach, uses the friendly to implement his playing philosophy. The lineup featuring three new signings—Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, and Carreras—indicates a focus on attacking full-backs and a solid defense. The midfield, with Tchouameni, Ceballos, and Güler, balances creativity and defensive work, even with absences like Camavinga and Bellingham, who are injured.

The Spanish coach, known for his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, brings an offensive and organized mentality to Real Madrid. The short pre-season, with only this official friendly, demands quick adaptation from the players. The partial victory against WSG Tirol boosts confidence in the project but also highlights the need for adjustments, especially in protecting against counterattacks.

• Tactical elements observed:
  • Advanced full-backs, with Carreras and Alexander-Arnold supporting the attack.
  • High pressing to recover the ball quickly.
  • Mbappé and Vinicius switching positions in attack.
  • Güler as the central playmaker in midfield.

WSG Tirol’s performance

Despite the unfavorable score, WSG Tirol shows defensive organization. The team, which has started its season in the Austrian Bundesliga with wins against Hartberg (4-2) and LASK (3-1), relies on quick transitions led by Vötter and Hinterseer. However, they struggle with precision in the final pass and face intense pressure from Real Madrid.

Goalkeeper Stejskal, with key saves like Mbappé’s shot at the 7th minute, keeps Tirol in the game. The local crowd, excited to face a European giant, urges the team to seek a draw, but the technical gap is evident. Coach Philipp Semlic, using a 3-4-2-1 formation, tries to exploit spaces left by Madrid’s full-backs, but with no success so far.

Debuts and young prospects

The friendly marks the official debut of Álvaro Carreras, the left-back signed for the season. His solid performance, with constant attacking support, suggests he’ll be a key piece in Alonso’s system. Additionally, youngsters like Thiago Pitarch and Yáñez, on the bench, may get minutes in the second half, reinforcing the club’s investment in its youth academy.

Arda Güler, at just 20 years old, also stands out. His vision and precision in set pieces, like Militão’s goal, show his potential to be a midfield protagonist. With Bellingham still recovering, Güler gains valuable minutes and confidence.

• Standout players:
  • Kylian Mbappé: Goal and relentless movement.
  • Eder Militão: Solid defending and decisive in attack.
  • Arda Güler: Creativity in set-piece plays.
  • Álvaro Carreras: Confident debut at left-back.

Second-half expectations

With the match still ongoing, Real Madrid aims to consolidate its lead and test new tactical options. Alonso is likely to make substitutions to give game time to players like Rodrygo and Carvajal, who are on the bench. WSG Tirol, meanwhile, may opt for offensive changes, with players like Quincy Butler and Sabitzer, to try and surprise.

The game, beyond serving as preparation, is a chance for Real Madrid to fine-tune details before their LaLiga debut against Osasuna on August 19. The Madridista fans, present in Innsbruck and watching via broadcasts, hope to see a more cohesive team ready for the season.

The clash at Tivoli Stadion, with its unique atmosphere and views of the Tyrolean Alps, underscores the importance of the friendly for both clubs. For WSG Tirol, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against one of the world’s biggest clubs. For Real Madrid, it’s the first step in an ambitious project under Xabi Alonso.