Real Madrid: Mourinho is creating the 2012 version of Real

Last weekend's win against Schalke marked the end of Real Madrid's preseason preparations, and Jose Mourinho was pleased.

Many positive aspects have emerged, both collectively and individually. Of course, some players joined later and haven't reached the same training intensity as the group that was present from the start, with 30 training sessions and 6 matches. There is a clear difference in rhythm, intensity, and fitness.

However, tactically, the playing ideas of the Galactic team are gradually taking shape. For players with exceptional quality, they won't take long to show their class and get in sync with teammates. Among them, Cucurella and Mbappe have already demonstrated their quick adaptation to the Special One's system.

Overall, the white-clad team operated very well as a unit, both with and without the ball, in the victory in Germany. This was clearly a useful test, a great dress rehearsal before their first match in the coming days.

The Galactic team's style emphasizes pragmatism and ruthlessness in finishing off opponents. The Portuguese strategist's team completely controlled the playing spaces, not only in this match but also in the previous one, punishing opponents with lightning-fast transitions that are a trademark of the 63-year-old coach.

Real's playing system took less than three touches to put the ball into the opponent's net, more direct and minimizing sideways passes. Although the Galactic team had more possession, the time for ball circulation through the middle was shortened. The ball was quickly moved to the wings for fast players like Mbappe, Vinicius, and then Diomande to exploit space and finish.

They played high pressing, maintained good team shape, and any personnel changes did not disrupt the way the system operated. This shows that Mourinho has players of comparable quality in every position. This team is very similar to the one that reached its peak in La Liga in 2012, with solid defense and fast counterattacks.

Most importantly, what Mourinho wanted to see was the players' attitude and determination, and he witnessed that in Gelsenkirchen. From the start of the match, it was clear that the concept of a friendly did not exist in the players' minds, especially for Mbappe. In less than 12 minutes, he scored and unsettled the German team's defense.

His presence also seemed to be linked to the team's best 45 minutes under Mourinho during the entire preseason. He was the key nucleus in the Special One's tactics, another Ronaldo that he needs if he wants to overthrow Barcelona's dominance.