Real Madrid returned to the training pitch today as they continue preparations for Sunday night’s La Liga clash against Valencia at Mestalla (9:00 pm local time). With matchday approaching, Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad went through another structured session at Real Madrid City, blending physical work, tactical preparation, and competitive drills.
The session began indoors, where players worked in the gym before heading out onto the pitch. Once outside, the squad split into smaller groups for rondos and
movement-based exercises, focusing on sharpness and coordination. From there, the intensity ramped up with tactical work, before the training concluded with short matches and sprinting drills designed to replicate match demands.
Not all players were available. David Alaba missed the session due to flu symptoms, while Rodrygo trained individually indoors. Éder Militão and Jude Bellingham remain on their respective recovery programs as they continue their rehabilitation processes.
Güler Leads the Way in Pintus’ Physical Tests
Beyond the on-field work, attention continues to focus on the physical data collected during recent sessions, particularly those involving hypoxia and metabolic testing overseen by Antonio Pintus. In Wednesday’s session, players wore advanced metabolic masks that measure oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output in real time, allowing the coaching staff to analyze aerobic capacity, respiratory efficiency, and overall exertion levels.
Among the standout performers, Arda Güler topped the physical tests, an eye-catching result given the demanding nature of the exercises and the athletic profiles of many of his teammates. According to the data, Güler is not only maintaining his intensity late in matches but actually increasing it.
The Turkish midfielder records 8% more maximum accelerations in the second half than in the first, and covers 6% more sprinting distance after halftime—a notable contrast to the typical 10–30% drop-off most players experience due to fatigue. These numbers highlight exceptional recovery ability, sustained explosiveness, and intelligent effort management, all crucial traits for a creative midfielder operating between the lines.
The results reinforce the internal belief at the club that Güler has made significant physical progress alongside his tactical development, particularly as he adapts to roles beyond his natural position.
Fran García, Valverde, and Alaba Also Impress
Güler was not the only player to stand out. Fran García delivered one of the most notable performances in the physical assessments, showcasing peak condition despite uncertainty around his role earlier in the season. His results underline both his professionalism and competitiveness at a time when his future had been the subject of speculation.
Federico Valverde once again proved to be a benchmark in endurance-based testing. The Uruguayan remains one of the squad’s most reliable physical references, capable of sustaining high intensity over long periods with remarkable consistency.
Perhaps the most surprising name among the top performers was David Alaba. Despite limited playing time and recurring muscle issues this season, the Austrian defender produced strong results in endurance-focused tests that emphasize aerobic capacity. His performance suggests that, even without match rhythm, his physical base remains solid.
A Broader Picture of Güler’s Development
Within the club, Güler’s physical data is viewed as a key indicator of his readiness to compete consistently at the highest level. The numbers challenge the lingering perception that his physique limits his effectiveness in midfield. That progress is also reflected in match statistics: in Champions League play, Güler is among Real Madrid’s top players for distance covered, averaging close to 10 kilometers per 90 minutes, alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham. In total, he has covered 55.6 kilometers in 556 minutes of action.
While the club continues to refine its workload management using this data-driven approach, questions remain about the need for more individualized biomechanical analysis—an area that could help reduce the muscle injuries that have plagued the squad in recent seasons.
For now, though, the message coming out of Valdebebas is clear: Arda Güler is not only keeping up physically—he is setting the standard.
