Zidane, pleasant surprise

Madrid had 24 days of vacation this season. Those were the exact days that separated the elimination against City from the return to training. In them the footballers traveled, rested … But they also worked. It has been a half-time pause that now has its consequences. Players worked out individually around the world and now the team is back in outstanding shape.

If to this is added that the international (Courtois, Lunin, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Mendy, Reguilón, Kroos, Bale, Hazard and Jovic) may even have competitive pace with their countries, the formula provides a team that comes like a shot to the league premiere. That date is marked in red on the calendar: Madrid will play its first league game on the second day, at the Reale Arena against Real Sociedad on September 20 (9:00 p.m., Movistar Partidazo).

The coronavirus crisis has hit the world hard and the 'white house' is not immune. The economic situation has made it unfeasible to make large outlays this season, postponing the possible signings (Camavinga, Upamecano, Mbappé …). Difficulties could be seen on the horizon to make a guarantee squad this season. But what Madrid did not know is that the gold did not have to look for it, since it was already in its own safe. That template was at home.

Recovery of Odegaard brings freshness and talent to the core; Odriozola He has come back more angry than ever, with a Champions League under his arm and ready to fight Carvajal for the position; Lunin it is present and future for the goal. They are names that reinforce a league champion team willing to defend its crown. The commitment of the squad is absolute and that for Zidane is the first stone of the pyramid. Madrid has returned hungry. And in a state of capital form.