A Look At Real Madrid's Pre-season Tour Of The US: More Positives Than Negatives

JAKARTA - Real Madrid return from the United States full of confidence ahead of summer's big game, the UEFA Super Cup.

Results aside, it is believed that the intensity of training during the visit to the USA could make the difference against Eintracht Frankfurt.

There were 28 players on the flight to the US, including four B team players. However, that number increased by one on the way home, as Borja Mayoral joined late due to problems with the COVID-19 vaccination.

Real Madrid started with a 0-1 loss to Barcelona in Las Vegas, followed by a 2-2 draw against Club America of Mexico in San Francisco and ended with a 2-0 win over Juventus in Los Angeles.

Along the way, yield and performance improve simultaneously.

Two new players, Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni, immediately started. The centre-back made his debut, surprisingly, at left-back, which the coach had tested in previous training sessions.

He then moved to left center back and then to right. The German player's leadership and character, as evidenced in the fight against Barcelona, ​​has amazed the Real Madrid fans.

Meanwhile, Tchouameni, started well and was present in the final third. The coaching staff and dressing room were impressed and pleased with his physique and motivation.

These two players already knew, in Helsinki against Frankfurt they would be on the bench as Ancelotti had made sure the match was reserved for the players who won their 14th Champions League.

However, it was not a problem for them.

Marcos Asensio's contract expires in June 2023, but he scored the decisive goal against Juventus in the final game of the US tour.

Meanwhile, it's still unclear whether Eden Hazard will be used as a false nine or just as a winger, but he did show some promise during his trip to Uncle Sam's country.