The relentless pursuit of titles has come at a cost, and Real Madrid is now feeling the impact of a packed calendar. After securing victories in both the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, the team aims to claim a third trophy in the Spanish Super Cup.

However, the physical toll of competing in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey is evident. Players like Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde ended the match against Mallorca with noticeable fatigue. This, indeed, is the price Los Blancos are paying for their demanding schedule.

Key Players Feeling the Strain

What stands out is that Bellingham and Valverde, despite their elite fitness levels, are among those most affected. As midfielders, they’ve been integral to the team but have logged a significant number of minutes, resulting in physical wear and tear.

Recovery in Progress

There’s good news, though: Luka Modric has returned to training after missing the Mallorca semifinal due to a viral infection. The veteran Croatian midfielder is expected to be available for Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, along with Bellingham and Valverde, whose muscle strains have improved.

Modric, at 39, hopes to secure his 29th title with Real Madrid and his third this season, following the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

Bellingham and Valverde joined Friday’s recovery session and, although not yet at full fitness, are set to play in the final. Meanwhile, Aurélien Tchouaméni has recovered from a head injury sustained during the second half of the Mallorca game, which prompted his substitution as a precaution.

Preparations Continue

Friday afternoon’s training focused on recovery for those who started against Mallorca, including Modric. The full squad will train together on Saturday in preparation for the showdown with Barcelona.