A relentless preseason

Real Madrid held its second preseason session on Tuesday under the guidance of Xabi Alonso—and it was no light workout. Nearly three hours of training under the scorching Madrid sun set the tone for what promises to be an intense, fast-tracked preseason. With just 15 days until their LaLiga opener, the coach is making every minute count.

With Ferland Mendy, Endrick, and Jude Bellingham unavailable, Alonso worked with the players he has at hand. Franco Mastantuono, meanwhile, cannot officially join the group until August 14, when he turns 18.

Injuries and racing against time

Mendy continued doing individual work in the gym, but his availability for the August 19 league debut against Osasuna remains uncertain. Endrick is still recovering from a muscle injury sustained in May, while Bellingham is still in rehab following shoulder surgery. His return is expected sometime in October.

Faced with these setbacks, Xabi Alonso prepared a complete training session: gym strength and activation exercises, followed by on-field drills focused on possession, ball control, tactics, and finishing.

Just one friendly to go

The team has only one warm-up match scheduled—on August 12 against WSG Tirol in Innsbruck, Austria. Until then, all work will be done at Valdebebas.

Xabi Alonso is determined to have his team sharp for the start of the season, even if time and injuries aren’t on his side. Another session is set for 10:30 a.m. this Wednesday—and it’s expected to be just as intense.