Real Madrid without friendlies before LaLiga

Real Madrid has once again decided to do something different from the rest of the football world. The club announced that it would not play a single friendly match before the start of the new La Liga season, an announcement that immediately sparked a wave of commentary in Spain and beyond.

In recent years, pre-season friendlies and tours have become almost mandatory for major clubs. For football giants, they provide an opportunity to promote their brand, earn millions from sponsorship deals, and test new tactical solutions. It's all the more surprising that Real Madrid—the world's most media-driven club—has decided to forgo such an opportunity.

This decision, however, didn't come out of nowhere. The "Royal" team has already participated in the Club World Cup, which has placed a significant burden on the calendar. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff decided that the best solution would be to prioritize rest, closed training sessions, and a leisurely fitness program. The goal is to avoid fatigue and injuries to key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Luka Modrić.

However, there's no shortage of critical voices. Experts warn that the lack of friendlies could mean problems with match rhythm. Friendly matches provide a time for players to catch up, and for the coach to test formations and tactical automatisms. Starting the season "cold" carries the risk of the team dropping points early in the season.

Fans are also divided. Some believe rest is a priority, given the long and grueling LaLiga and Champions League campaigns ahead. Others, however, are disappointed that preseason matches were their only opportunity to see the team play live in different parts of the world.

Real Madrid's decision is undoubtedly an experiment that is being closely watched by the entire football world. If "Los Blancos" start the season with a bang, it will be proof that their modern approach to managing players' workloads is working. However, if the team stumbles early on, the criticism will be merciless.

One thing is certain: Real Madrid have once again made the world talk about them – this time not through transfers or trophies, but through a bold and unusual preparation strategy.