Real Madrid Confidencial Official: Last-minute change in Real Madrid's 25/26 preseason, Xabi gives the OK
The club has announced a preseason friendly in Austria, even though there were rumors that none would be played
Surprise in Real Madrid's planning. The club confirmed this Friday a new friendly match that wasn't initially planned. Xabi Alonso's side will travel to Austria to face WSG Tirol next August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Tivoli Stadium in Innsbruck.
The match will serve as the final warm-up before the official start of the season. It will be the first and only fixture outside Spain before the start of LaLiga. This decision has caught many by surprise, since there was speculation that all preparations would take place in Valdebebas due to the tight schedule after the Club World Cup.
Opportunity to test variations
Xabi Alonso has approved the trip but will monitor the workload to balance the squad's physical condition. The coaching staff view this dress rehearsal positively before the league debut. The match will also be an ideal opportunity to see the new signings in action and for players with fewer minutes to gain match fitness.
Additionally, it will help keep adjusting pieces. Xabi wants to have the team ready for the debut on August 19, when Madrid will face Osasuna at Bernabéu in the first matchday of the domestic championship.
A rival with rhythm
WSG Tirol, a club from the Austrian Bundesliga, will be the host. It will already be in the middle of official competition, so it will arrive with more match fitness.
That will allow Madrid to face a team that will demand intensity. The Tivoli, with a capacity for about 17,000 spectators (17,000), will host a clash that has caused excitement in the city.
The white team will return to training on Monday, August 4, after several days of rest following the Club World Cup. These will be days of double sessions, physical workload, and tactical adjustments. The match against Tirol will close the preseason just in time for the league start.
It won't be a typical tour, but this trip to Austria gives an international touch to the team's summer work. Unexpected change, but approved by Xabi Alonso, who wants to reach the start of the season with all the work done.
More posts: