Why Real Madrid trained at Santiago Bernabeu and not Valdebebas for Valladolid game – report | OneFootball

In an interesting turn of events, Real Madrid recently held an unusual training session at the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of their upcoming home match against Valladolid.

Normally, the team trains at Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas, but this time they decided to switch things up and according to MARCA, the reason for this change was to test the new grass at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid has put a lot of effort into making sure the pitch is in top shape for their first home game of the season.

Why did Real Madrid train at Santiago Bernabeu?

This training session, while different from their usual routine, was crucial for the team. It allowed the players to get a feel for the new surface, ensuring they are fully prepared for their first match at home.

The session began with the players warming up before moving on to various exercises. They did rondos, which are passing drills that help with ball control and quick thinking.

Real Madrid trained at Santiago Bernabeu to prepare for the Valladolid game. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

After that, they worked on tactics to fine-tune their strategies. The players then played a small-sided game to simulate match conditions and finished the session with shots on goal and practising free kicks.

Ultimately, the main goal of this training session was to familiarise the players with the new grass at the stadium.

Changes at Santiago Bernabeu

It must be noted that the Bernabeu has recently undergone some changes, including a new retractable pitch. After a series of concerts were held at the stadium, Real Madrid took the grass out of its underground storage and began maintaining it on the pitch itself.

To ensure the pitch remains in excellent condition, the club has been working closely with GrassMax, a company known for its expertise in pitch maintenance.

GrassMax has been using a unique technique to strengthen the grass. They use special machines to inject synthetic fibres into the soil, which helps the grass roots grip better.

This makes the pitch more durable and resistant, ideal for a high-level game. This is the first time such a method has been applied to a retractable pitch, showing the club’s commitment to innovation and excellence.