Federico Valverde got on the scoresheet for Real Madrid as they defeated Leganes 4-1 in a pre-season friendly.

The Uruguayan scored the opener in Tuesday's behind-closed-doors match, with Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono also netting either side of half-time before Ruben Pulido's own goal rendered Naim Garcia's strike for Leganes a mere consolation.

After sending Arda Guler's cross straight at Raul Fernandez moments earlier, Valverde found the back of the net in the 21st minute as he combined with Guler once again before slotting into the bottom-left corner.

And it was 2-0 shortly after as Trent Alexander-Arnold's long ball in behind was taken down by reported Fulham target Gonzalo Garcia, who lifted over the onrushing Leganes goalkeeper and across the line.

Leganes did manage to pull a goal back before half-time, and in some style. Naim Garcia picked the ball up on the left wing and cut inside past Alexander-Arnold before curling into the far corner, beyond the reach of Andriy Lunin.

Los Blancos then took the game away from Leganes with two goals in two minutes just before the hour-mark; Mastantuono first reacted quickest to a rebound from Alexander-Arnold's initial shot, and Pulido later turned a cross into his own net.

Jose Mourinho made wholesale changes in the 70th minute as he brought on youth players in place of his first-team stars, though Madrid were able to see the victory through without conceding any more goals.

 @FedeeValverde pic.twitter.com/FvXuNu09qa

— Real Madrid C.F.  (@realmadriden) July 28, 2026

The duality of Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold made 35 appearances under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa last season as he struggled with a thigh injury during his debut campaign with Madrid, and he would have been hoping to make a statement in front of new boss Mourinho.

The 27-year-old did exactly that, assisting Gonzalo Garcia's goal with a brilliant long pass before playing a crucial role in Mastantuono's simple finish in the second half.

In LaLiga last season, Alexander-Arnold provided the joint-sixth most assists (four) of any Madrid player despite playing only 21 games, at least nine fewer matches than all those ranked above him.

However, Naim Garcia's goal highlighted the defensive issues that remain part of Alexander-Arnold's game, which Mourinho may not tolerate. 

The pressure is also on the English defender, with new signing Denzel Dumfries watching on from the stands.