Mbappé returns and scores as Real beat Schalke 3-0
Mbappé scored early in Real Madrid’s 3-0 friendly win over Schalke 04 at the VELTINS-Arena.
Kylian Mbappé returned to the Real Madrid lineup and marked his comeback with a goal as Real beat Schalke 04 3-0 in a friendly at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on 16.08.2026.
The win began early: Real opened the scoring in the 6th minute when Mbappé capitalised on a defensive error by the hosts. He carved another big chance in the 11th minute but failed to convert.
The second goal arrived in the 19th minute when Arda Güler delivered a cross into Schalke’s box and Dean Huijsen turned the ball into his own net, doubling Real’s advantage.
Loris Karius later denied a dangerous attempt from Huijsen in the 32nd minute, while Real sealed the victory in the 57th minute after Álvaro Carreras set up Carlos Espi for the third goal.
Vinícius Júnior had a strike in the 73rd minute that was ruled out for offside. Ibrahima Konaté made an unofficial debut for the Whites, starting the match, and Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande came on in the second half. Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham also returned to the squad for the friendly.
The match closed Real’s preseason preparations ahead of the new season and gave the club’s newcomers and returning internationals a final run-out before competitive fixtures begin.
Photo: press material from the event
