Real Madrid Edge Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 in Friendly

A second-half strike from a young academy graduate was enough to give Real Madrid a narrow 1-0 victory in their pre-season friendly against Deportivo La Coruña on August 13, 2026. The match, played at a sunny Riazor stadium, served as an important warm-up for both sides ahead of the upcoming domestic campaigns.

Match Summary

Deportivo, now back in the Spanish second division, were compact and disciplined in the first half, frustrating Real Madrid's possession-heavy approach. The home side even had a chance to take the lead just after the break, but their striker fired over from a tight angle. That proved costly as Real Madrid immediately went down the other end and scored with a sweeping move that carved through the Deportivo backline.

Real Madrid goalkeeper was forced into a smart save in the 78th minute to preserve the lead, but overall the home team managed just one shot on target in the contest. The final ten minutes saw Deportivo throw bodies forward, yet the Madrid defence remained untroubled as the referee brought the friendly to a close.

Key Moments

• 28' – Deportivo's best chance of the first half: a curling effort from outside the box that drifted just wide.
• 63' – Real Madrid break the deadlock: a slick one-two on the right edge of the box is followed by a clinical first-time finish.
• 81' – A desperate goal-line clearance keeps Real Madrid ahead after a Deportivo corner.

Friendly with a Purpose

For Deportivo, this fixture provided an excellent benchmark against top-tier opposition. Head coach expressed satisfaction with his team's defensive organisation, while also noting that they need to be more clinical in front of goal when the league season resumes.

Real Madrid used the match to give valuable minutes to several fringe players, and the winning goal from the teenage winger will certainly boost his claims for a more prominent role in the first-team squad this season.

What Comes Next

Both teams now face further pre-season tests as they look to refine their tactics and fitness levels. Real Madrid will travel to the USA for a tour, while Deportivo remain in Spain for a series of lower-league friendly fixtures before their league opener in two weeks.