Real Madrid 2019/2020 preseason gets underway
Real Madrid has officially started their preparations for the 2019-2020 season, here’s a look at Day 1 and the weeks ahead.
With early exits from the Champions League and a failed domestic campaign, the return to the pitch has felt longer than it has in recent years. Yesterday, Real Madrid started their preparations for the upcoming season, hopefully, one that will involve plenty of silverware.
Day 1
Day 1 was short and sweet involving the player’s medical assessments. Players gathered at the Medical Center at Real Madrid City which is in partnership with the Sports Medicine Unit of the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital.
The relevant check-ups ensure players are fit and in good health after the summer break. Fans expressed their appreciation for the hard work some of their favorite players put in during the offseason. Left-back Marcelo and striker Karim Benzema looked to be in great shape with both hungry to help Madrid return to winning ways.
Eden Hazard shared his joy of starting his season with Real Madrid after making his long-awaited move to the Spanish giants. The Belgian winger let fans know that he’s ready to get to work with a Tweet.
Day 1 in the new office!
— Eden Hazard (@hazardeden10) July 8, 2019
Premier jour au travail 🧳⚽️ #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/sUcHmsihZw
Travel to Montréal
Earlier today most of the squad traveled to Montréal, Canada where they will prepare for the International Champions Cup preseason tour. While Madrid does not have any games in Montréal, it seems to be a city Manager Zinedine Zidane is akin to. In 2016 Madrid stopped in the French-speaking city before heading down to the United States.
Benzema and Hazard looking like best friends already and I’m here for it. pic.twitter.com/4saw49DwMc
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) July 9, 2019
Squad List
The team looked sharp and excited for the seasons ahead. Benzema and Hazard look to be creating a bond early, one can hope that connection translates onto the pitch as well.
✈️ 🇨🇦 #HalaMadridYNadaMas pic.twitter.com/2sf34UkTnP
— Ferland Mendy (@ferland_mendy) July 9, 2019
Next. Barcelona's transfer window causes some to raise eyebrows. dark
Squad Omissions
Isco is currently missing from the squad as his girlfriend Sara Salamo is expected to give birth in the coming days.
Campeão 🙏🏾 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PnhYRVeluk
— Éder Militão (@edermilitao) July 8, 2019
Casemiro and summer signing Eder Militao are expected to join the squad later in the preseason tour as the two take a break after their Copa America win with Brazil. Militao is will also be presented to the fans tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabéu.
ICC Tournament Dates and Times
For the fourth year in a row Real Madrid will travel to the United States to partake in the International Champions Cup. This year they will play three games in three different cities between July 20 – 26 before returning to Spain.
July 20 (8 PM EST) vs. Bayern Munich – Houston, TX
July 23 (7 PM EST) vs Arsenal – Landover, MD
July 26 (7:30 PM EST) vs Atletico Madrid – East Rutherford, NJ
La Liga Schedule
The La Liga fixtures have been organsied and set by the clubs and federation but timings have yet to be disclosed. Matchday 1 will take place at the Bernabéu as Madrid take on Celta Vigo.
Madrid will play 38 league fixtures this season starting on August 18 and ending on May 24. Schedules could change and be arranged if other competitions pose a conflict. For a full list of the schedules and the ability to do sync it with your device calendar check the official La Liga website here.