What is in Real Madrid’s notorious anti-cramp drink? | OneFootball

Real Madrid players will reach for a vinegar-based anti-cramp shot if Wednesday’s Champions League play-off return against Benfica goes to extra time, after a 1-0 first-leg win. The drink is valued for speed, not taste.

According to L'Équipe, the 60 ml vials do not stop a muscle contracting, instead they aim to spark a neurological reflex rather than deliver instant fluids or electrolytes, as Spanish sports nutritionist Amanda Sanchez explains.

Because the trigger sits in the mouth and throat, some players only sip rather than down the lot. Many clubs now keep supplies by the touchline.

Nessan Costello, head of nutrition at Al-Ahli, says evidence the shots help is fairly convincing. His club use a different brand, but it is still vinegar, acetic acid.

Tennis has embraced them too, with Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe using shots. After an epic against Grigor Dimitrov in January 2019, Tiafoe said pickle juice left him feeling much better.

Paula Badosa grimaced through a dose at the 2023 United Cup, underlining the flavour. Recipes vary but usually include vinegar, sodium, potassium, vitamins C and D, sometimes E, zinc and dill. Real favour apple cider vinegar.

They are not a cure-all. Sanchez says cramps are multifactorial, from neuromuscular fatigue and workload to heat, hydration and overall nutrition.

Her guidance is simple, manage fatigue, hydrate before and during, take enough carbohydrates around exercise and eat well. Bananas, naturally rich in potassium, remain a handy option.

Source: L'Équipe