Real Madrid have completed their third training session of the week at Ciudad Real Madrid, as José Mourinho’s squad continue their preparations for their opening La Liga fixture against Espanyol. The match will take place at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday at 9:30 p.m., with the encounter set to be broadcast on Orange TV and DAZN.
With the start of the domestic campaign approaching, Mourinho and his coaching staff are continuing to fine-tune the team’s physical condition and tactical organization. After several weeks of preparation, the focus is now firmly on arriving in the best possible shape for the first competitive test of the season.
Physical work to begin the session
The training session began with a series of physical exercises on the pitch without the ball. The players worked on different aspects of their fitness, with the coaching staff paying particular attention to intensity, mobility and conditioning.
This initial part of the session was designed to prepare the squad for the more demanding tactical exercises that followed. Mourinho has been gradually increasing the workload as the opening league match approaches, while also ensuring that his players are physically ready for the demands of a competitive fixture.
After completing the physical work, the squad moved on to a tactical phase. Mourinho and his staff used this part of the session to work on positioning, team organization and different situations that could arise during the match against Espanyol.
With only a few days remaining before the trip to Barcelona, tactical preparation is becoming increasingly important. The Portuguese coach is continuing to implement his ideas and expects his players to understand exactly what will be required when Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign.
Small-sided games to finish training
The final part of the session consisted of a series of small-sided matches on reduced-size pitches. These exercises allowed the players to work at high intensity while focusing on quick decision-making, pressing, movement and combination play.
Small-sided games are also an effective way of increasing competitiveness within the squad, with every player looking to convince Mourinho that he deserves a place in the starting lineup against Espanyol.
Meanwhile, several members of the squad continued with individual recovery programmes. Endrick, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Thiago, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio all trained separately from the main group as they continue working towards full fitness.
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Their situations will continue to be closely monitored by Real Madrid’s medical and coaching staff, with Mourinho unlikely to take unnecessary risks at the beginning of a long and demanding season.
Real Madrid will continue their preparations at Ciudad Real Madrid before travelling to Barcelona for Saturday’s encounter. After the preseason period, the focus has now completely shifted towards competitive football.
The meeting with Espanyol will provide the first major indication of how Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid is progressing and how quickly the players have adapted to the Portuguese coach’s tactical demands. The objective is clear: begin the new La Liga campaign with a strong performance and, above all, three points at the RCDE Stadium.
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