Real Madrid has entered its first genuinely delicate moment of the season. After back-to-back setbacks — the loss to Liverpool in the Champions League and the goalless draw at Vallecas against Rayo Vallecano — Xabi Alonso has made one thing clear: there is no time for relaxation. The message inside Valdebebas is firm: the rhythm does not drop, even with half the squad away on international duty.

Despite the typical post-match routine, the Spanish coach did not grant the usual day off. On Monday morning, without excuses and without exceptions, the available players reported to training to begin a specific plan designed to recover intensity, tactical clarity and competitive sharpness.

Why Train With So Few Players?

Alonso doesn’t look at the international break as downtime — he sees it as an opportunity. With two weeks without competition, the staff wants to recalibrate the team after a rare dip in performance.

Monday’s session included:

• Andriy Lunin
• Trent Alexander-Arnold
• Fran García
• Ferland Mendy
• Dani Ceballos
• Endrick

They were joined by several academy players and one particularly encouraging presence: Antonio Rüdiger, who continues progressing from the rectus femoris injury he suffered on September 12. The German center-back is already working on the pitch, albeit individually, and his recovery is viewed as one of the best pieces of news for the coaching staff.

More Injuries for Real Madrid

The morning also brought unwelcome confirmations.
Medical examinations revealed minor muscle injuries for both Fede Valverde and Thibaut Courtois, ruling them out of their national team duties.

They now join an already busy treatment room that includes:

• Dani Carvajal
• Aurélien Tchouaméni
• Franco Mastantuono

A challenge for daily training — but also a chance for focused work with the remaining group.

What Exactly Is Xabi Working On?

According to the club, Monday’s session mixed gym work with field exercises. The idea was simple: reactivate both body and mind.

• Strength work to reinforce physical structure
• Short-space rondos to regain rhythm and precision
• Coordinated pressing drills, one of Alonso’s trademarks
• Finishing exercises to rediscover efficiency in the final third

The coaching message is unmistakable: recover the aggression and hunger that defined the team’s spectacular start to the season.

Zero Days Off: Real Madrid Stays in Motion

Even though Madrid’s next match doesn’t arrive until November 23, away against Elche, Alonso is not handing out free time.
Training resumes Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. for everyone not traveling with their national teams.

The coach’s stance is direct and uncompromising:

Real Madrid is not on vacation. It is working to become the dominant team it was only weeks ago.

Alonso wants to cut the negative streak before it grows, leaning on discipline, daily work and a mentality that leaves no room for complacency.

In Valdebebas, the reconstruction mode is officially on.