Even though we’re still feeling down after the tough defeat against Arsenal, this is Real Madrid — the competition never stops, for better or worse.
In this case, for the better, because we get a chance in just a few days to bounce back with a win. The next match is this Sunday at 4:15 PM against Deportivo Alavés. You can always check Real Madrid’s upcoming matches and where to watch them in each country [here].
We’re playing away against a tough opponent (especially on their home ground), but it’s a good opportunity to get a win, bring some joy to Madrid fans, and most importantly, regain some confidence ahead of the second leg against Arsenal (Wednesday at 9:00 PM at the Bernabéu), where we’ll have to pull off an impossible comeback — but Real Madrid knows how to do the impossible.
The team has been training these past few days, including this morning at Ciudad Real Madrid, on yet another rainy day in Madrid (at this rate, it might end up being the rainiest year in history — haha, this is not normal for Madrid).
The session began with activation exercises and work on possession, pressing, and finishing. After a tactical phase, it ended with several small-sided games on a reduced-size pitch. Alaba, Mendy, and Lunin are continuing their recovery processes.
Tomorrow will be the final training session before the match, along with Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference. After the tough loss, he’s facing heavy criticism from the media, who are already speculating about his successor — whether it might be Xabi Alonso, Jürgen Klopp, or even a possible third return of Zinedine Zidane. But Carlo hasn’t had his final word yet: there’s still the second leg, the Copa del Rey final, and some league games left to keep fighting.