Real Madrid Preseason Preparations
On Monday, Real Madrid commenced their preseason preparations under new head coach Xabi Alonso, marking a crucial time for the squad as they ready themselves for their season opener just two weeks away. The first-team players gathered at the Valdebebas training complex, where they started with medical evaluations before undertaking their first training session at 6 p.m. local time (12 p.m. ET).
Upcoming Matches and Challenges
The Los Blancos are set to kick off their LaLiga season against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on August 19. Despite their request for a postponement due to a compressed schedule following their semifinals exit from the Club World Cup on July 9, the ruling by a Spanish football federation official dismissed this appeal. The judge noted that, although players are entitled to a minimum vacation of 21 days, there is no enforced minimum for physical and tactical preparation time prior to the new season.
With the holiday period now finished, Real Madrid’s squad will squeeze in a preseason friendly against WSG Tirol in Innsbruck, Austria on August 12 to sharpen their skills ahead of the LaLiga match.
Coaching Changes and Roster Updates
Xabi Alonso, who stepped in after Carlo Ancelotti‘s departure following a trophyless 2024-25 season, managed to take the team into the Club World Cup semifinals, though they suffered a heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Madrid has bolstered their roster with the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono, the latter of whom is slated to join the squad on turning 18 next week. However, reports indicate that Real Madrid will refrain from making additional signings unless they see a player leave.
Complicating matters further, midfielder Jude Bellingham will miss the start of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery post-Club World Cup, while forward Endrick faces delays in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
