The activity marks the resumption after the holidays and precedes a heavy sequence, while the team experiences turbulence on the field
Real Madrid will have its first big “test” this Tuesday (12/30) after returning from the end-of-year holidays. The team led by Xabi Alonso is carrying out its second training session since the reintroduction, but this time, in a special setting: the activity will be open to the public, as is the club’s tradition during the Christmas period.
From 11 a.m. (local time), the players enter the pitch at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium in front of full stands. All supporters present are members of the club and benefit from guaranteed free entry thanks to registration organized by Real Madrid itself. The expectation is to have a full house, but also to be vigilant to understand the mood of the fans with the team.
Indeed, coach Xabi Alonso is going through a period of instability within the club. After all, the coach failed to get the team going during the season and suffered negative results which angered the fans. In fact, the Spaniard’s dismissal has been considered for some time.
Heavy sequence
In addition, open training takes place in a context of instability and precedes one of the most decisive periods of the season. During the first 14 days of January, Real will face a sequence that could define important directions for 2026. The calendar begins on the 4th, with the duel against Betis, in La Liga, before the trip to Saudi Arabia, where the club will compete in the Spanish Super Cup.
In the competition, the first match will be a classic: the derby against Atlético de Madrid. Only victory guarantees a place in the final, scheduled for Sunday January 11. Shortly after returning to Spanish football, the team will again face the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, a phase in which it awaits the definition of its opponent.
The Real Madrid scenario was different in 2024
Exactly a year ago, the scenario was very different. Real Madrid’s last open training took place 364 days ago, when the club was going through a period of euphoria. The team had just won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and, a few months before, the UEFA Super Cup, both titles supported by the victorious 2023/24 Champions League campaign.
During this period, Real were also fighting point by point for the Spanish championship title and were days away from playing in the Spanish Super Cup, a tournament they would eventually lose in the final to Barcelona. However, the internal environment is considered lighter than the current one.
Another point that attracts attention in this revival is the relationship between the fans and the cast. Unlike the climate of a year ago, today there are signs of tension, notably from Vinicius Júnior, who has already received boos on several occasions at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite this, we expect a positive reception during training this Tuesday, which takes place in a holiday atmosphere and is traditionally aimed at children.
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