FC Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid — Tips & Analysis

FC Schalke 04 +1.5: Timing is the main reason this one is on. Schalke open their DFB Cup campaign at Hallescher on 24 August, so this is their last warm up and they should name close to a first choice side. Real Madrid are only in their fourth pre season game under Jose Mourinho. Schalke are playing well too. They have won 9, tied 3 and lost 1 of their last 13, and they let in just over a goal a game. They have lost by 2 or more only once in that run. At home they have been tighter still, letting in under a goal a game across seven games. They have kept the margin inside one goal in 10 of their last 13. Real have brought a strong squad, with Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Bellingham, Valverde and Courtois all travelling. They score 2 goals a game. Their away record is ordinary though, 4 wins, 1 tie and 3 losses, and they have won by 2 or more in only 5 of their last 16. A 1-2 Real win in front of a full Veltins Arena is the read, and Schalke keeping it that close is all we need. The risk is plain. This is a friendly, and both managers will change most of the team at half time. Real have enough quality to pull clear if Schalke drop off for ten minutes. We are happy to take Schalke with the head start.