A blow to Leganés and Mourinho's greeting to the press: Madrid change the big tours for the mini-derbies in Valdebebas

Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations have taken a dramatic turn this week with a decisive 4-1 victory over CD Leganés at their training ground in Valdebebas. The match marked a shift away from the club's traditional international tours, which once featured high-profile fixtures against European giants such as Manchester City and FC Barcelona. Instead, the team has opted for localized matches within its own facilities, focusing on controlled preparation ahead of the new season. The change in approach was evident early on. On Friday, the team defeated Alcorcón 1-0 in a similar format, and Tuesday’s encounter against Leganés saw a more emphatic display, with four goals scored. This strategy appears to reflect a broader trend in how Real Madrid is structuring its pre-season, emphasizing shorter, more focused sessions rather than long-haul trips abroad. The decision comes amid a growing emphasis on managing player workloads, particularly after many players participated in the World Cup and remain on holiday. José Mourinho, who returned to the club earlier this year, made a notable appearance during the match against Leganés. Unlike his previous stint, where he maintained a low profile, Mourinho engaged with the press for 45 minutes, greeting them before the session began. His gesture signaled a desire to build better relations with media and fans, contrasting sharply with his more reserved demeanor during his last tenure at the club. Several key players were absent due to ongoing recovery from injuries or participation in the World Cup. Among those missing were Lunin, Arda Güler, Huijsen, Camavinga, Raúl Asencio, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras, Gonzalo, and Franco Mastantuono. However, Fede Valverde joined the squad for the first time since completing a training session, while injured players such as Rodrygo and Jérôme Boateng watched from the stands. Thiago Pitarch also made his debut as a spectator, marking a new addition to the group. Looking ahead, Real Madrid will continue its domestic-focused pre-season schedule. The team is set to travel to Austria on August 1 for a friendly against Fiorentina, followed by another match in Hungary against Ferencváros on August 8. A third fixture is scheduled for Riazor, where they will face Deportivo de La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy on August 12. This shift in pre-season planning is not isolated. Since the start of the last campaign, Real Madrid has adapted to changing circumstances, including the impact of the FIFA Club World Cup, which disrupted traditional preparation schedules. The club has increasingly prioritized controlled training sessions at Valdebebas, often held behind closed doors, to ensure players are ready for the demanding league season. Beyond football, the Valdebebas complex is undergoing a transformation that could redefine the area. The Madrid City Council approved plans this week to convert part of the Real Madrid training grounds into a technology innovation district known as Madrid Innovation District. The project aims to create a space comparable in size to Madrid’s Retiro Park, spanning 85 hectares. It will include technological companies, research centers, educational institutions, and complementary services, aiming to position Madrid as a leading tech hub in southern Europe. The initiative, backed by the city government and regional authorities, seeks to attract both national and international investment. Inspired by successful models such as the Dallas Cowboys’ campus and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the project promises to generate employment opportunities and foster innovation. The development includes provisions for green spaces, aligning with the existing Metropolitan Forest and creating a linear park along the Arroyo de la Plata. The approval of the urban planning modification allows for increased construction up to 532,000 square meters, significantly expanding the current limits. The city will gain over 200,000 square meters of land, with 166,000 dedicated to green areas. This expansion is expected to enhance the local environment and integrate seamlessly with surrounding infrastructure, including the airport, Valdebebas interchange, Hospital Isabel Zendal, IFEMA, and the upcoming Justice City. With these developments underway, Real Madrid continues to focus on both athletic and infrastructural growth, ensuring the club remains at the forefront of football and innovation alike.