Brahim's Magic and Lunin's Assist Lead Mourinho's Team to Teresa Herrera Triumph

Real Madrid won the 74th edition of the Teresa Herrera Trophy in A Coruña, beating Deportivo de la Coruña with a single goal from Brahim Díaz. The match was far from spectacular, but it gave José Mourinho's side another preseason victory and sent the historic trophy back to the Spanish capital. ABC described the win as proof of Madrid's solidity and intensity, with Brahim's individual magic making the difference.
The only goal came from Brahim, the Moroccan winger who continues to impress in preseason. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also stood out with a key assist. Most media described it as a grey, low-intensity game — but a win is a win, and Mourinho's machine keeps turning. LNE called it a match that was decided in a dull affair by a solitary Brahim strike.
Brahim Díaz scored the only goal of the game to hand Real Madrid the trophy. The winger, on loan from Manchester City in previous seasons but now firmly part of Mourinho's plans, showed a moment of individual quality in an otherwise forgettable contest. Diario de Mallorca noted that the Moroccan international was the one bright spot in a match that lacked rhythm and chances.
Deportivo de la Coruña, competing in Spain's lower divisions, put up a decent fight but could not break down Madrid's defense. The match was played at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor in A Coruña before a passionate local crowd. Despite the poor quality of play, Real Madrid held firm and took the cup home. El Periódico de Aragón described the result as a comfortable but uninspiring victory.
One of the talking points beyond the goal was goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian shot-stopper, competing for the number one spot at Real Madrid, provided a notable assist during the match. ABC highlighted the assist as an example of Lunin's comfort with the ball at his feet — a quality Mourinho values highly in modern goalkeepers.
Lunin has been pushing hard in preseason to stake his claim ahead of the new season. His performance in A Coruña added another positive note to his campaign for a starting role. Mourinho's system demands goalkeepers who can play out from the back, and Lunin appears to be meeting that demand.
For Mourinho, the result matters less than the process at this stage of preseason. Madrid have now won multiple preseason games, and the coach is focused on getting his squad fit, sharp, and organized before competitive football begins. Levante EMV reported that the squad looked solid defensively even if the attacking play left much to be desired.
Mourinho used the Teresa Herrera final to rotate his squad and give minutes to players on the fringes. That approach means the performance level stays moderate — but the fitness and tactical shape continue to develop. The Portuguese coach has a clear philosophy: build slowly, peak at the right moment.
The Teresa Herrera Trophy is one of Spain's oldest and most storied preseason tournaments. First held in 1948, it has a long history of featuring top Spanish and European clubs. Winning it carries prestige even if the football world now treats preseason cups as secondary. El Correo Gallego noted the significance of the trophy returning to Madrid for the 2024 edition.
For Deportivo de la Coruña, the tournament offered a rare chance to face elite opposition. The Galician club, once a European powerhouse in the early 2000s, is rebuilding its way back up through Spain's football pyramid. Hosting and competing in the Teresa Herrera remains a proud tradition for the city of A Coruña, even in defeat. La Provincia highlighted the local pride surrounding the event despite the loss.
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