Soccer
Bernardo Silva was thrilled to make his Real Madrid debut, though noted there are still things to improve despite their 2-1 win over Ferencvaros.
Mario Rivas and new signing Carlos Espi got the goals for Madrid on either side of half-time as they started strongly, with Arda Guler also missing chances to add to their tally.
They were too open at the other end, though, with Kenan Kodro pulling one back for Ferencvaros, but they could not find an equaliser at Groupama Arena.
Madrid dominated, racking up 17 shots worth 1.7 expected goals (xG), but managed to get only three of those on target. 12 of their attempts came before the break.
Ferencvaros, meanwhile, put the pressure on Madrid in the second half, despite Jose Mourinho bringing on the likes of Silva, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Vinicius Junior, fresh from signing his new deal.
Despite a slightly unconvincing performance, Silva highlighted the importance of getting another win in pre-season.
“I am very happy. This match is very important to prepare for the season, and personally, I am very happy to have debuted with Real Madrid,” he told Realmadrid TV.
“It’s only the first week, but I’m very happy. There are still many things to improve, but the most important thing is to gain rhythm to start the season well, and that’s what we are doing.
“I try to give what the team needs at every moment. Sometimes a bit more in build-up play, other times further forward in pressing or in the final third.
“I am a player who tries to help in various areas, and I will be there to help Real Madrid in whatever is needed.”
Victory at Budapest!@Emirates pic.twitter.com/q4gEsP1wIq
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 8, 2026
Mourinho was full of praise for Silva after the match, too, but acknowledged the Portugal international has work to do to get up to speed.
“Bernardo is a very important player,” Mourinho said. “He is the type of player who completely switches off mentally, and does not do anything during the holiday period, and he came back with much lower physical fitness, and it needs to be developed.
“But Bernardo is a wonderful player who gives us excellent build-up with the ball, whether he plays in a deeper position or in midfield [the 6 or 8 position].
“During the match, I saw that he lacks physical strength, so I moved him to the 10 position, and I brought on [Jorge] Cestero to give more stability there. The 10 position is another spot where Bernardo is comfortable.”
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