Éder Militão and David Alaba made their return to action in Real Madrid’s 4-0 pre-season victory over WSG Tirol on Tuesday, with Alaba stating he is “close to full fitness” after both players endured injury-hit campaigns last season.
Éder Militão has endured major knee setbacks in each of the past two seasons.
Brazilian defender Militão, 27, broke the deadlock in Innsbruck, Austria, with a well-placed looping header, while Alaba entered the match after 62 minutes, operating in a midfield role.
Over the past two LaLiga seasons, Militão has appeared in just 22 matches following two separate cruciate ligament injuries in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Alaba, meanwhile, returned from the same long-term injury in January but was later sidelined twice with muscle problems.
During the Club World Cup, Militão featured for only 26 minutes, while Alaba missed Madrid’s journey to the semifinals entirely.
I feel a lot better now,” Alaba told Real Madrid TV on Tuesday. “I’m nearly at 100%, and I’ve been training strongly.
The clash with Tirol marked the second occasion this pre-season following a closed-door game against Leganés that head coach Xabi Alonso has used Alaba in midfield, a role he has previously occupied with Bayern Munich and the Austrian national team.
It’s obviously different, Alaba admitted. It’s not my natural position, but it’s one I’ve played before. It’s been many years, but I still know it well.
Militão has been in fine form during pre-season, notably scoring from his own half against Leganés a strike he later posted online before finding the net again in Innsbruck.
I’m contributing to the team and doing what I love,” Militão said to Real Madrid TV. “It’s been a long road back, but now is the time, and the best feeling is being on the pitch again.
Kylian Mbappé also shone against Tirol, netting twice and setting up Rodrygo for a late fourth goal, while Arda Güler struck the frame of the goal on two occasions.
The 2025-26 LaLiga campaign kicks off this weekend, with Madrid set to host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
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