Real Madrid celebrated a title at the Bernabéu on Saturday as Álvaro López’s youngsters beat Santiago Wanderers to win the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup, completing a four-trophy haul for La Fábrica. The first team, meanwhile, wrapped up preparations for Sunday’s derby at the Metropolitano, with fitness updates and selection decisions taking shape on both sides of the rivalry. Away from the pitch, Kylian Mbappé’s partnership with On marks a new commercial chapter, while Víctor Muñoz reflects on the experiences
that shaped his development at Madrid.
La Fábrica completes a four-trophy year
Real Madrid won their first Under-20 Intercontinental Cup on Saturday, beating Santiago Wanderers 3–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The victory made Madrid the first Spanish club to lift the trophy and completed a four-title haul in 2026 for Álvaro López’s team, following their successes in the league, Copa de Campeones and UEFA Youth League.
Dani Yáñez opened the scoring with a direct free kick in the 29th minute, shortly after Wanderers defender Alexander Dubó was sent off for a challenge on him. Madrid controlled much of the first half but were brought back level four minutes after the restart, when Christian Silva scored for the visitors.
The decisive intervention came from substitute Fran Santamaría, who converted Jesús Fortea’s low cross in the 81st minute. Wanderers subsequently lost Cristopher Valenzuela and Nicolás Carvacho to red cards, finishing with eight players. Although Yáñez had a stoppage-time penalty saved, Roberto Martín added Madrid’s third in the 99th minute, again from a Fortea assist.
The match also established a new attendance record for the competition, with 52,117 spectators at the Bernabéu. That surpassed the 45,656 who attended Flamengo’s meeting with Barcelona at the Maracanã in 2025, an increase of 6,461. This was the first edition of the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup staged in Europe.
Álvaro López: “This is a historic generation”
For López, winning at the Bernabéu carried a significance beyond the trophy itself. Speaking after the match, the coach recalled his childhood connection to the stadium.
“Well, imagine… For me, a Real Madrid fan like myself, a member since birth, from the Barrio del Pilar… My grandfather brought me to the Bernabéu from the time I was born, I experienced historic nights. From the stadium, from home. And well, we’re incredibly happy and grateful. Proud to be able to make history.”
Asked about the difficulty of the final, López said:
“Real Madrid doesn’t just play in finals, they win them. And that’s exactly what happened. It was a tough match, they made it very difficult for us, but the important thing was to enjoy it. We’ll take this with us to cherish, something unforgettable.”
He also acknowledged the support the team received from the club and its supporters.
“We have spoken with the president, and he congratulated us. We are very grateful to everyone, to the club, to Mourinho… Feeling the support of the fans… This is something we will cherish forever.”
López reserved particular praise for the players and what they have achieved together.
“This is a historic generation. They’ve won the second Youth League title and the first Under-20 Intercontinental Cup. It’s a legacy that will stand. They’re nearing the end of their time here, we have a fantastic team, and we’re incredibly proud. They embody the values of Real Madrid. This belongs to them. And now, back to work, as they always do.”
Captain Carlos Díez, who joined López for the post-match press conference, emphasized the years of shared work behind the success.
“I’m very happy. Winning this title with teammates I’ve known for six or seven years… I’m very proud and happy. We’ve worked day after day to achieve this.”
Madrid finish derby preparations with three players still recovering
Real Madrid completed their final training session before Sunday’s derby against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano. The match, corresponding to the seventh round of LaLiga, kicks off on September 20 at 4:15 p.m. Madrid time.
Saturday’s session began with warm-up exercises and rondos before moving into tactical work, pressing and possession drills. The players finished with small-sided games and shooting practice. Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo continued their recovery programs and remain unavailable for the derby.
Aurélien Tchouaméni, meanwhile, is fully reintegrated into the group after returning to the starting lineup against Elche. Among Mourinho’s attacking decisions is whether to start Arda Güler or Yan Diomande. The coach’s pre-match press conference was moved to 3:30 p.m. to accommodate the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup final at the Bernabéu.
Video: Endrick, Vinícius and Mbappé share a moment in training
There was also time for a lighter moment during the preparations, with Endrick, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé joking with one another during the session ahead of the derby.
Julián Álvarez returns as Simeone assesses his derby options
Atlético received a fitness boost ahead of the derby, with Julián Álvarez returning to group training and being included in the squad. Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth remain unavailable, while Álvarez’s return gives Diego Simeone another attacking option alongside Jonathan David.
Simeone confirmed Álvarez’s availability during his pre-match press conference but stopped short of revealing whether the Argentine would start.
“Julián Álvarez will be with us. We will decide whether he starts or comes on in the second half.”
Discussing the tactical challenge, Simeone highlighted Madrid’s ability to attack quickly after recovering possession.
“They will have a better transition than ours, more vertical… They are powerful, strong players, they play to that advantage. We have to interpret the game in the best way so that they don’t feel more comfortable in their fast transitions.”
The Atlético coach also expressed his admiration for Mourinho when asked about their previous encounters.
“Talking about so many years ago isn’t appropriate for me. I have enormous respect for Mourinho. I admire him, and he knows how much I appreciate him. I hope we can compete like we have when we’ve faced each other.”
For players experiencing their first Madrid derby, Simeone emphasized composure.
“I’m not one to give advice to the players who will be playing their first derby. The pressure is normal for new players. Because of the excitement a match like this generates, but stay calm. Stay calm. Football is about composure. The lads have talent. And there’s one word that sums it all up: confidence.”
He also placed the fixture within a busy week for the city.
“The city is having an incredible week. I was involved with Formula 1. I got to see Shakira. Now there’s a derby. Madrid is growing. There’s a great energy.”
Returning to the match itself, Simeone said:
“A derby is different. There’s enormous tension and excitement because of the rivalry, because of the competitiveness we’ve managed to recover in the last fifteen years. Confidence is an important quality in this match.”
Víctor Muñoz reflects on his Madrid education
Víctor Muñoz has revisited his time at Real Madrid in an interview with AS, discussing the criticism he received after his Clásico appearance and the lessons he took from competing for opportunities at the club.
“These are experiences that, unfortunately, we sometimes have to go through. When it happens, as it did to me, you have to accept it and process it as best you can. In the long run, I think it’s been good for me because it’s made me stronger and has helped me become the footballer I am today. Everything happens for a reason.”
Muñoz acknowledged that not making an appearance at the Bernabéu remained an unfulfilled ambition, while expressing appreciation for the opportunities he did receive.
“I would have loved to have made my debut at the Bernabéu, but being able to play minutes with Madrid, even if it was on other fields, was something amazing.”
Asked about the difficulty of establishing himself in the first team, he said:
“I have to admit it was difficult. At first, when you’re surrounded by such high-quality teammates, you realize you need to toughen up and gain experience, especially when you take a step up and join a team like Real Madrid.”
Having spent time in both Barcelona’s and Madrid’s academies, Muñoz also outlined the different influences each had on his development.
“Both Barcelona and Real Madrid academies are impressive, and I’ve been able to take the best from each. As you say, at Barça I was very young, but it allowed me to learn the importance of teamwork and incorporate into my game the methodology and unique DNA they try to instill in all their youth players. At Real Madrid, it’s a different style of play, more direct, and that suited my qualities very well. I’m grateful to have been at both.”
Mbappé joins On in a partnership that includes an ownership stake
Kylian Mbappé has ended his long association with Nike and joined Swiss sportswear company On, which announced the partnership on Friday. The Madrid forward will become a global ambassador and work directly with the company’s product teams on the development and testing of football footwear and apparel.
According to AS, citing L’Équipe, Nike had offered Mbappé a renewal worth €20 million annually over ten years. Instead, his agreement with On includes an equity stake, giving him an ownership interest in the business alongside his commercial role.
On has also appointed Thierry Henry as its director of football, while Roger Federer is already an investor in the company. The brand plans to bring its first football boots to market in 2027.
Football finance specialist Moises Assayag, quoted by AS, explained the distinction between a conventional endorsement contract and an agreement involving ownership.
“From a financial perspective, the most significant aspect of this agreement is the shift in the compensation model. When an athlete becomes a shareholder, they are no longer limited to the value of a sponsorship contract and gain direct exposure to the growth and appreciation of the company as a whole, to which they contribute their image.
“This creates a much greater alignment of interests between both parties, because the athlete’s return also becomes dependent on the brand’s ability to grow, generate results, and increase its market value. For a player with Mbappé’s global stature, it’s a strategy that transforms his own image into equity and expands the potential for long-term value creation.”
The financial terms of Mbappé’s On agreement, including the size of his equity stake, have not been disclosed. Its eventual value will depend partly on the company’s performance and share price, rather than representing a guaranteed sponsorship payment.
