Xabi Alonso puts pressure on Real Madrid. For the first time in this short preseason, the Tolosa-born coach imposed a double training session on his players. The new coach does not want to leave anything to chance. That’s because, after the Appeal denied the request to postpone the Whites’ first league match against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu (August 19 at 9:00 p.m.), the Madridistas will only have 15 days to prepare. So, this Thursday, there will be a double session to get in shape as soon as possible.
The Madridistas returned to Valdebebas on Monday, August 4. In the morning, they underwent their respective medical examinations and in the afternoon, they trained. The same happened on Tuesday, August 5. Therefore, Wednesday, August 6 marked the first double session of the 2025-26 season for Real Madrid, who will play a friendly match on Tuesday, August 12 against WSG Tirol at the Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck, Austria. For now, this is the only match scheduled before the Merengues’ league debut, although another friendly, behind closed doors, will likely be held in Valdebebas.
A very demanding Xabi Alonso
For the first session of the day, Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff were uncompromising with the players. The morning began in the gym at Real Madrid City with individual warm-ups. After this warm-up, it was time to take to the pitch. There, the Tolosa-born coach didn’t hold back: a series of sprints, high and low pressure phases, transition phases, and the first training session ended with long runs and 10-a-side games. In total, it lasted two hours. “It’s tiring just watching them,” said club sources. The only players absent from the group training session were Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham, and Endrick, who are continuing with their respective recovery work.
✌️😁☀️ pic.twitter.com/aybrnZmcWR
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 6, 2025
Second session on the pitch
For the second session of the day, at 5 p.m. and with temperatures reaching 37 degrees at the Ciudad Deportiva, Xabi Alonso put his players on the pitch. Control and passing drills, combination exercises and shooting under pressure, and a tactical session were the tasks to finish off Wednesday.
“Scare” with Arda Güler
However, one image worried the Madridistas. Arda Güler appeared in both training sessions of the day with a bandage on his right leg. Specifically, in the quadriceps area. “It’s nothing serious,” explained Valdebebas. There is no cause for concern, the Turkish player was simply wearing it as a precaution.
Arda Güler training with a bandaged thigh. 🤕 pic.twitter.com/r4uNvsrCUA
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 6, 2025