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Real Madrid to face Schalke with Mourinho returning to first CL venue

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 1:47 AM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Real Madrid to face Schalke with Mourinho returning to first CL venue

Summary

Real Madrid is scheduled to play against Schalke in a pre-season friendly on August 16 at the Arena AufSchalke, marking José Mourinho's return to the site where he won his first Champions League title in 2004. Schalke, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their stadium, announced the match as a significant event and a 'true festival of football.' Mourinho, now back at Real Madrid for a second managerial stint, will use this game as a final preparation before the LaLiga season opener against Espanyol on August 22. Schalke is back in the Bundesliga after a three-year absence and begins their season with a German Cup match on August 24 against Hallescher FC.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Match set for August 16 at Arena AufSchalke.
•Mourinho won the Champions League there in 2004.
•Schalke announces match for stadium's 25th anniversary.
•Real Madrid starts LaLiga season on August 22.
•Schalke begins their campaign on August 24 in the German Cup.

Latest Updates

1:47 AMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid confirm final preseason friendly with Schalke 04
9:03 AMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid at Schalke as Mourinho returns to site of first CL title

What they're saying

"
José Mourinho will return to the venue where he won the Champions League for the first time when Real Madrid visit Germany's Schalke for a pre-season friendly on August 16. Schalke announced the match on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of their arena on Wednesday, with board member for sport Frank Baumann pledging "a true festival of football.
— Yahoo Sports