REAL MADRID STARS SHINE IN TRAINING AFTER BENFICA WIN

## Training Ground Glory Real Madrid's Instagram post showcasing training at Ciudad Real Madrid tells the story of a team reborn. The simple caption with photo, heart eyes, and sunshine emojis captures the mood perfectly. Goals from Tchouameni and Vini Jr., both assisted by Valverde, defeated Benfica and secured Real Madrid's spot in the next round. The timing of these training photos is no coincidence. The team trained at the Ciudad Real Madrid and began preparations for the match against Getafe, corresponding to matchday 26 of La Liga, which will take place at the Bernabéu (Monday, 9:00 pm CEST; Orange TV and Dazn). ## Champions League Progress The sunny disposition captured in the Instagram post reflects Real Madrid's recent Champions League triumph. Vinícius Júnior took centre stage again with the winner that secured Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Benfica and safe passage to the last 16 of the Champions League. The Brazilian was the alleged target of racial abuse in the first leg against Benfica but, just as he had done in Lisbon, provided a classy finish 10 minutes from time to confirm Real's 3-1 aggregate success. The victory sets up a blockbuster encounter. Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. The first leg will take place at the Bernabéu on March 10 or 11, and the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17 or 18. ## Arbeloa's Transformation The positive energy radiating from Real Madrid's training photos reflects the transformation under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that Álvaro Arbeloa will be the new first team coach. Álvaro Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025, and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid's youth academy since 2020. Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso following disappointing results. The news comes a day after Alonso's Madrid were beaten 3-2 by Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Alonso has been replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa, who had been coach of Madrid's reserve team, Castilla. ## Squad Depth Challenges Despite the sunny training photos, Real Madrid faces significant squad challenges. Asencio, Bellingham, Ceballos, Huijsen, Mbappé and Militão worked indoors as part of their recovery processes. However, there's positive news on the horizon. Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo Goes has recovered from his injury and will make the team's squad list for Monday's home match against Getafe in La Liga, according to reports published on the Spanish press. Still, his return is crucial for Real Madrid. ## Training Ground Excellence The Ciudad Real Madrid facility continues to serve as the backdrop for the club's preparation. The team trained at Ciudad Real Madrid to continue preparing for the match against Benfica, corresponding to the second leg of the playoff to access the round of 16 of the Champions League, which will take place at the Bernabéu. Training sessions under Arbeloa have maintained intensity and focus. The players started with a strength training session in the gym. On the pitch, they were divided into several rondos and subsequently performed various possession exercises. The training session concluded with demanding speed work with the ball and several small-sided games. ## Looking Forward The Instagram post's sunny imagery perfectly captures Real Madrid's current optimism. With Champions League progression secured and Manchester City awaiting, these training photos represent more than just social media content. They showcase a team unified under Arbeloa's leadership, preparing for the biggest challenges in European football. The simple hashtag #RMCity connects fans directly to the heart of Real Madrid's operations, where champions are forged in the Spanish sunshine.