Real Madrid are back on the training pitch and shifting their focus entirely to domestic duties after a grueling European night. The squad held a brand-new training session at the Ciudad Real Madrid to kickstart intensive preparations for their upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano.
José Mourinho’s team will play the fifth LaLiga matchday of the campaign at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 pm CEST. For fans tuning in across Spain and around the world, the highly anticipated Madrid derby will be broadcast live via Orange and Dazn.
🏋️♂️ Training Insights: Recovery Strategy and Tactical Drills
With the fixture calendar tightening up, Mourinho and his coaching staff split the squad into two distinct groups during the morning session to optimize player fitness and tactical readiness.
- The Recovery Group: The players who started in the heavy-duty clash against Inter Milan carried out specific recovery work. This low-intensity routine—consisting of light jogging, stretching, and hydrotherapy—is designed to alleviate muscle fatigue and ensure the core lineup bounce back physically from their European exploits.
- The Tactical Group: The rest of the available squad spent their time engaged in high-intensity football drills. The session began with an in-depth tactical phase where Mourinho outlined the spatial awareness and movements required to break down Rayo Vallecano's compact defensive lines. Following the tactical brief, the players performed fast-paced possession and pressing exercises, sharpening their transitional play under pressure.
- Finishing Touches: The training session concluded with high-velocity shooting drills and a highly competitive, small-sided game. Players on the fringes are visibly fighting for a spot in the upcoming starting eleven, giving Mourinho plenty to ponder ahead of Saturday night.
🏥 Medical Report: The Injury Crisis Persists
While the energy at the Ciudad Real Madrid remains high, the club's medical room is still heavily occupied. The squad updates ahead of Matchday 5 reveal that several first-team regulars are still sidelined.
- Ferland Mendy (hamstring), Éder Militão (hamstring), and Rodrygo (knee / ACL) all continue their respective recovery processes.
None of the three took part in group training, as they remain confined to indoor gym work and specialized physiotherapy sessions. Mourinho will have to continue relying on his makeshift defensive and attacking structures to get the job done at the Bernabéu.
📺 Watch the Training Session
Get an exclusive, inside look at how the players are shaping up for the derby. Check out the official training footage directly below to see the intensity of the pressing drills, the tactical setups, and the best goals scored during the small-sided game:
🔎 Predicting the Starting 11 vs Rayo Vallecano
Given the recovery needs of the starters and the ongoing absences of Mendy, Militão, and Rodrygo, Mourinho’s selection will be a balancing act between freshness and elite quality.
Thibaut Courtois is a certainty between the posts. In defense, expect Marc Cucurella to lock down the left-back slot assuming his fitness holds, while Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen continue to hold down the center back partnership.
The midfield double-pivot will likely feature Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham once again, though Mourinho might look to introduce fresh legs like Trent Alexander-Arnold if rotation is required. Upfront, the dangerous duo of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé will spearhead the offense, aiming to deliver a dominant home victory in front of the Madridistas.
Stay tuned to Real Madrid Starting 11! Hala Madrid!
