Real Madrid were back at Valdebebas on Friday with full focus on Sunday’s El Clásico at the Bernabéu. The session brought encouraging news: Dani Ceballos and Dean Huijsen trained with the group, while Raúl Asensio completed the session without issues. Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold also participated fully after being rested, adding important depth ahead of the clash. David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger continued individual work as they recover from injury.
Official photos & report
Today’s training — social highlights
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What it means for El Clásico
- Defensive balance: Full-backs back in full training add width and control on transitions.
- Midfield control: Ceballos’ return offers rotation minutes to manage tempo late on.
- Depth at centre-back: Huijsen and Asensio give cover as schedules tighten.
Squad status (training note)
Group training: Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Ceballos, Huijsen.
Individual work: Alaba, Rüdiger.
Training focus at Valdebebas
- Pressing triggers: short rondos into half-pitch games, with emphasis on the first five seconds after losing possession.
- Pattern play: wide overloads and third-man runs to create cut-backs rather than hopeful crosses.
- Transitions: sprint resets after finishing drills to rehearse defensive shape when attacks break down.
- Set pieces: near-post blocks and second-phase shots from the edge—an area where recent home wins have tilted.
Selection notes
Dani Ceballos and Dean Huijsen worked with the group and continue to be monitored by the medical staff as a precaution. Raúl Asensio completed the session without issues. The coaching staff will make final availability calls after the eve-of-match check. Meanwhile, other squad members on individual programmes will be reassessed in the final session.
Tactical preview: where El Clásico could tilt
- Width vs. block: quick switches to isolate the winger 1v1, then underlaps to the cut-back zone.
- Half-spaces: attacking the channel between full-back and centre-back to create clearer shooting lanes.
- Rest-defence: keeping a compact triangle behind the ball to kill counters before they start.
- Dead-ball details: one routine can decide a balanced match—discipline on both attacking and defending set pieces will matter.
Numbers that matter (home form)
6/6 at the Bernabéu this season, with 11 goals scored and 3 conceded. The late-game management has been a consistent strength—control phases after minute 70, smart substitutions, and fewer long-range shots in favour of high-value looks from cut-backs.
Matchday timeline
- MD-1: light tactical session, set-piece run-through, squad list pending medical green lights.
- Matchday: final activation at the hotel, squad announcement 60–90 minutes before kick-off.
- After the match: recovery session and performance review ahead of the next fixture block.
Follow it on RMxtra
We’ll run a live blog on matchday with updates from the Bernabéu, instant analysis at half-time and full-time, and a refreshed training gallery as new photos drop.