Real Madrid

There’s no doubt that Sunday’s training session was the most exciting to date this preseason as Manuel Pellegrini designed a tactical workout including an ten-on-ten practice match with only one goal.

What had typically been fitness-oriented morning workouts gave way to a tactical session on Sunday focusing on offensive and defensive positioning and movement. The players began with their routing morning jog, followed by stretching exercises and a session of keep-away.

Pellegrini then split his squad in two and handed bibs to Drenthe, Heinze, Metzelder, Torres, Lass, Javi Garcia, Van der der Vaart, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul and Negredo. The other team consisted of Garay, Pepe, Salgado, Marcelo, Gago, Guti, Sneijder, Robben –who was later replaced by Parejo after receiving a knock-, Higuain and Karim Benzema. Few conclusions can be made, but what was clear is that players like Marcelo and Higuain are still in exceptional form and that the new signings, Benzema and Ronaldo are as fit as can be. The match ended 8-5 in favor of the bibles side, but what really matters is that Real Madrid continue making progress.

Manuel Pellegrini never hesitated in instructing his players during the 45-minute match. The Chilean coach paid particularly close attention to his defense and his set-piece plays. Several players stayed on the pitch to work on their target practice following the match, while others played a game of foot-volleyball.