Real Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 in pre-season friendly at Estadio Abanca-Riazor on 12 August 2026
Real Madrid defeated Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 at the Estadio Abanca-Riazor in a pre-season friendly on 12 August 2026, with Brahim Diaz scoring the only goal. The match served as preparation for both clubs ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Hosts Deportivo, managed by Antonio Hidalgo, fielded a blend of young and experienced players as they welcomed European giants Real Madrid; the result was the first loss of their current campaign. Los Blanquiazules had earned promotion after finishing as runners-up in the Segunda Division last season and worked to keep their shape throughout the fixture.
Brahim Diaz produced the decisive moment late in the first half, capitalising on a loose ball in the opponent’s defence and firing it into the net; he had started on the right flank and might soon be replaced by the new signing Yan Diomande once the new season starts. That strike was the only goal Real Madrid managed despite multiple attacking options.
Andrey Lunin kept a clean sheet for Real Madrid, denying Deportivo’s attempts as the hosts managed 10 shots on goal but failed to score. Defenders Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger were noted for stopping attempts in front of Lunin.
Real Madrid’s final third lacked fluidity, producing few clear openings, and the side was unable to convert pressure into multiple opportunities. Denzel Dumfries started again after getting minutes in the previous pre-season game, and Bernardo Silva was included in the XI, playing in defensive midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga; both Silva and Dumfries were described as having put in decent shows.
Deportivo kept their defensive shape well and presented a tough challenge, with 21-year-old Belgian centre-back Lucas Noubi singled out as the standout performer for the hosts. Despite their defensive display, they were unable to prevent the single goal that decided the contest.
The Jose Mourinho-led side secured the 1-0 win and a clean sheet but will take notes from the fixture and aim for an improved display in their next pre-season game.
