Real Madrid Begins Quest for a Dream Season

Real Madrid has resumed training at Valdebebas after a week-long break, focusing on their upcoming match against Valencia at Mestalla, scheduled for Friday. Carlo Ancelotti granted his players time off to rest and recharge for the second half of the season. He emphasized the importance of this rest, stating, "The first important thing is rest, and we have given individual programs to the players. They need to disconnect from football and enjoy time with their families. We will return with motivation and enthusiasm. We must be ready because on January 3, we have a game against Valencia."

This fixture, part of week 12 and postponed due to Storm Dana, will be Real Madrid's first match of 2025, though it remains within the first half of the season. The team concluded 2024 on a high note, securing the Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca and achieving a 4-2 home victory over Sevilla. These successes have set a positive tone as the team aspires to tackle new challenges in the coming year, with the potential to secure five additional trophies by June.

In their final five matches of 2024, Real Madrid showcased their offensive prowess by netting 16 goals, positioning themselves as formidable contenders across all competitions. Notably, they ended the year without key players such as Vinícius Júnior (suspended against Sevilla), Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba. The new year brings optimism, particularly with the anticipated return of David Alaba. The central defender, sidelined for over a year due to injury, had begun partial training before Christmas and is expected to fully rejoin the squad today. Barring any setbacks, Alaba's return could materialize by mid-January, with a potential appearance against Las Palmas.