Real Madrid opened the doors of the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on the final day of 2018 for a morning party, as 8,000 fans visited to attend Los Blancos’ traditional open Christmas training.
The Club World Cup and Champions League trophies were on display throughout the session and fans’ attention has already turned to this coming May, with shouts of “go for the Wanda!” being heard, as well as “we want the fourteenth!”
Younger supporters attended the event dressed from head to toe in Madrid clothing, from scarves and t-shirts to banners and flags, giving colour to the facilities.
The players arrived on the pitch at 11:01 to a warm reception, particularly for Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Isco.
Early activities took place near the stands to allow for photographs and fans displayed requests on banners: one asked for Thibaut Courtois’ gloves, another for Marcelo’s shirt and Isco’s training sweatshirt, while one even demanded Vinicius Junior’s boots or threatened to become a Barcelona supporter.
Work was done
Little by little, the rondos became more intense and Real Madrid prepared for the games that are coming in the new year, with the first test on January 3.
Challenges against Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Leganes are all early in the month and the European and world champions will be afforded no respite.
The team will return to training on Tuesday in the privacy of Valdebebas, but the message of “bring us the fourteenth” will not be forgotten.