Real Madrid reclaim prestigious Teresa Herrera Trophy after 13 years as Brahim’s first-half strike gives Mourinho’s side victory at Riazor
Real Madrid lifted the Teresa Herrera Trophy after defeating Deportivo 1-0 at Riazor, with Brahim scoring the decisive goal just before halftime. The victory marked the club’s first appearance in the prestigious tournament since 2013 and saw Real Madrid reclaim the trophy 13 years after their previous participation.
The result also maintained Real Madrid’s unbeaten run during the preseason. The team has now recorded two victories and one draw in its three friendly matches, giving the squad another positive result ahead of the new La Liga campaign.
Brahim’s goal, created by a quick piece of goalkeeping from Lunin, proved enough to settle a closely contested encounter. Real Madrid controlled large portions of the match and created the majority of the attacking opportunities, while Deportivo’s disciplined defensive work kept the score level for much of the opening period.
The victory eventually came down to one moment of quality before halftime and a disciplined defensive effort after the break.
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Real Madrid Return to Teresa Herrera After 13 Years
The Teresa Herrera Trophy victory carries additional significance because Real Madrid had not participated in the competition since 2013.
Their return to the tournament at Riazor ended with the club securing the trophy for the 10th time in its history, according to the supplied match report.
The occasion also provided Real Madrid with another opportunity to test its squad before the start of the competitive season. With preseason preparations approaching their conclusion, every remaining friendly has increasing importance as the coaching staff assesses players, combinations and tactical options.
Facing Deportivo in their own stadium also presented a useful test in front of a strong home atmosphere. Riazor provided a competitive setting, and Deportivo’s defensive organisation made it difficult for Real Madrid to convert its territorial dominance into clear scoring opportunities.
Despite those difficulties, Real Madrid remained composed and eventually found the breakthrough.
Real Madrid Start With High Tempo
The madridistas entered the match with considerable intensity, immediately looking to dictate the tempo.
Real Madrid created most of the attacking moves during the opening stages, attempting to move the ball into dangerous areas and putting pressure on Deportivo’s defensive structure.
However, Deportivo’s back line responded effectively.
The hosts were able to block several attacking developments and prevent Real Madrid from finding the space necessary to produce clear chances. As the first half progressed, opportunities became increasingly limited.
Real Madrid’s possession and attacking intent remained evident, but the match developed into a battle in which the visitors had to remain patient.
That patience eventually paid off in the latter stages of the first half.
Endrick Comes Close After Arda Güler Set Piece
The first major opportunity arrived in the 39th minute.
Arda Güler delivered a dangerous set-piece cross into the area, creating a chance for Endrick.
The forward attempted an acrobatic finish, forcing Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Román into an impressive save.
The moment demonstrated the variety of Real Madrid’s attacking options. A set-piece delivery from Güler created the opening, while Endrick’s technique and willingness to attempt an unconventional finish nearly gave the visitors the lead.
Leo Román’s intervention, however, kept Deportivo level.
The save also reflected the overall character of the match. Real Madrid were creating opportunities, but Deportivo’s goalkeeper and defensive organisation repeatedly prevented the visitors from finding the final touch.
Deportivo Threaten Before the Break
Deportivo responded shortly before halftime and briefly created concern for Real Madrid.
A corner led to a header from Noubi, but Lunin was positioned well and collected the effort calmly.
The save turned out to be particularly important because Real Madrid immediately transformed the situation at the other end.
Instead of Deportivo gaining momentum before halftime, Real Madrid produced the decisive moment of the opening period.
Lunin’s next action played a direct role in the breakthrough.
Lunin and Brahim Combine for the Opening Goal
In first-half stoppage time, Lunin launched a long ball forward with his hand towards Brahim.
Brahim showed excellent control, bringing the ball down with his chest and then carrying it forward over a significant distance.
The move developed quickly as Brahim advanced into a dangerous position before finishing with a precise low shot past Leo Román.
The goal arrived in the 45th minute plus one and gave Real Madrid a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
It was a goal built on rapid transition, individual skill and accurate execution.
Lunin’s long distribution immediately turned defence into attack, while Brahim provided the composure and finishing ability required to complete the move.
For Real Madrid, the timing was ideal.
The team had controlled much of the first half without finding a breakthrough, and the goal allowed the visitors to enter the interval with an advantage.
Brahim Provides the Difference
Brahim’s goal ultimately proved to be the only goal of the match.
His contribution was especially valuable because Real Madrid continued to face a determined Deportivo defence throughout the contest.
The forward’s ability to control the ball, cover ground and finish accurately made him the defining attacking figure of the evening.
The goal also underlined the importance of moments of individual quality in preseason matches.
Although Real Madrid created most of the attacking play, the match remained tight. A single well-executed transition was enough to decide the result.
Mourinho Makes Four Changes at Halftime
Real Madrid made four substitutions at the start of the second half as Mourinho adjusted the team.
Valverde, Rüdiger, C. Espí and Mario Rivas were introduced, giving other members of the squad an opportunity to contribute during the latter stages of the preseason schedule.
The substitutions did not change the overall pattern of the match.
Real Madrid continued to dominate possession and territorial play, while Deportivo remained focused on defending and attempting to create opportunities through limited attacking moments.
The changes also allowed Real Madrid to maintain intensity while managing the workload of players during a preseason fixture.
Carlos Espí Nearly Doubles the Lead
Real Madrid came close to scoring again in the 57th minute.
Carlos Espí found himself through on goal after a brilliant pass from Camavinga. Espí managed to beat Leo Román inside the box, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The decision prevented Real Madrid from extending its advantage.
Still, the opportunity demonstrated that the visitors were continuing to create dangerous situations even after making multiple changes.
Camavinga’s through ball was particularly important, cutting through the defensive line and giving Espí a clear route towards goal.
Espí Comes Close Again in the Second Half
Carlos Espí had another opportunity in the 73rd minute.
This time, the forward connected with a cross delivered by Trent and attempted to direct his header towards goal.
The effort narrowly missed the crossbar.
The chance highlighted Real Madrid’s continued attacking pressure and suggested that the team could easily have added to its lead despite finishing with only one goal.
Deportivo, however, remained within touching distance throughout the match because Real Madrid were unable to find a second goal.
Real Madrid Defend Their Lead
As the match entered its final stages, Deportivo attempted to find an equaliser.
The hosts created a few late opportunities, but Real Madrid’s defence remained organised enough to deal with the pressure.
The madridistas conceded almost no major opportunities for much of the second half and managed to protect Brahim’s early goal.
That defensive discipline proved crucial.
In a one-goal match, any lapse could have changed the result, especially with Deportivo playing on home ground.
Instead, Real Madrid remained composed and saw out the contest.
Another Positive Result in Preseason
The victory means Real Madrid remain unbeaten in their preseason campaign.
The team now has two wins and one draw from three friendly matches.
Those results give the squad encouraging momentum as preparations continue for the new La Liga season.
Preseason results do not carry the same competitive significance as league fixtures, but they provide the coaching staff with valuable opportunities to assess player fitness, tactical understanding and squad depth.
The unbeaten record therefore offers an encouraging foundation ahead of the final friendly.
Riazor Provides a Memorable Setting
The victory at Riazor also added to the significance of the night.
For Real Madrid, returning to the Teresa Herrera Trophy after 13 years and immediately winning the competition provided a memorable occasion.
The atmosphere and history associated with the tournament made the match more than a routine preseason fixture.
Deportivo also provided a competitive challenge, particularly through their defensive organisation and ability to remain in contention deep into the second half.
That made the eventual 1-0 result meaningful for Real Madrid as the team continues its preparations.
Attention Turns to Final Friendly Against Schalke 04
Real Madrid’s preseason campaign now moves towards its final friendly before the start of La Liga.
According to the supplied match report, the madridistas will face Schalke 04 on Sunday at 5:00 pm CEST, with the match scheduled to be available through Realmadrid TV and RM Play.
The fixture will provide one final opportunity for Real Madrid to refine its preparation before competitive football begins.
The coaching staff will be able to use the game to assess the squad after the Teresa Herrera Trophy victory and potentially make further adjustments ahead of the league campaign.
Brahim Goal Gives Real Madrid a Winning Return to Teresa Herrera
Real Madrid’s return to the Teresa Herrera Trophy ended exactly as the club would have hoped.
A 1-0 victory over Deportivo secured the club’s 10th Teresa Herrera Trophy and marked its first participation in the tournament since 2013.
Brahim’s strike in first-half stoppage time proved decisive, while Lunin’s role in creating the goal added an important detail to the victory.
Arda Güler, Endrick, Camavinga, Carlos Espí and Trent also contributed to Real Madrid’s attacking threat at various stages of the contest, while the defence remained disciplined enough to preserve the clean sheet.
The result leaves Real Madrid unbeaten through three preseason matches and provides another encouraging step towards the start of La Liga.
With only one friendly remaining, the focus will now turn to final preparations, squad selection and ensuring that the team carries its preseason momentum into the competitive season.
For now, the return to Riazor has delivered another trophy and another positive result, with Real Madrid once again leaving the Teresa Herrera Trophy as champions.
