Actualizado
The preseason for Real Madrid has kicked off with excitement and anticipation, as 16,000 tickets for their only preseason match were sold out in just 40 minutes . This thrilling event will take place at the Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck, the home ground of WSG Tirol , marking the first step in the journey under the guidance of new head coach Xabi Alonso . The recent FIFA Club World Cup held in July has served as a compelling introduction to this new era.
The hype around Xabi Alonso’s original imprint on the team is palpable. Tickets that originally cost 65 euros for general seating and 250 euros for VIP areas are now being resold for as much as 400 euros . To highlight its significance, Televisión Española has adjusted its programming to broadcast the match live on its main channel at 7 PM , while Real Madrid TV will also provide comprehensive coverage, including pre-match and post-match interviews and press conferences with the key players.
In preparation for this exciting encounter, Real Madrid completed their final training session at Valdebebas . During this morning workout, the players engaged in gym activities followed by both group and individual activation exercises. The focus then shifted to the pitch, where the team worked on various physical drills , passing techniques, and tactical phases. Notable absences included players like Eduardo Camavinga , Endrick , Jude Bellingham , and Ferland Mendy , who are currently undergoing rehabilitation, while Federico Valverde has been sidelined due to a muscle strain in his right leg.
One player particularly eager for this match is Álvaro Carreras , a former Benfica fullback, who is set to make his debut with the club that launched his career. His enthusiasm, combined with the rigorous training Alonso has instituted, sets a positive tone for the match.
In recent days, Alonso has struck a balance between physical preparation and strategic planning , incorporating video sessions into training. Notably, drones have been utilized for capturing training activities, allowing for detailed analysis of the players’ performances. Last Friday, a closed-doors match against Leganés concluded with a convincing 4-1 victory for the team, further boosting morale.
Among those contributing in training are several talented youth players . Thiago Pitarch , a midfielder born in 2007 , has shown promising potential, while others such as winger Daniel Yáñez , defender Diego Aguado , midfielder Roberto Martín , and goalkeeper Fran González have alternated between the first team and the Castilla squad. All of these youngsters have been called up for tonight’s match, reflecting the depth of talent within the club.
As the Real Madrid squad travels to Austria, they will face off against WSG Tirol, who currently sit atop the Austrian Bundesliga after defeating Lask Linz 3-1 this past Sunday. Their formidable position adds an extra layer of challenge for Los Blancos as they prepare for their final touches before the UEFA season kicks off.
This nostalgic journey back to Austria marks a return to a favored destination for preseason preparations. The last time Real Madrid played in this region was in August 2019 , where they secured a 1-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg , then led by Erling Haaland . The Tivoli Stadion, with an average capacity of just 2,400 spectators , will look to harness the collective energy of 16,000 fans attending the highly anticipated kickoff of this new chapter for Real Madrid.
The combination of a fervent fanbase, a promising young talent pool, and the strategic vision of Xabi Alonso sets the stage for an exhilarating match that will not only introduce the new mandate at Real Madrid but also provide a glimpse into the future of the club. No doubt, both fans and critics will be watching closely as this storied institution embarks on yet another transformative journey in the world of football.