The morning opened with a sweeping view of Real Madrid's Valdebebas training complex, bathed in golden sunlight.
The training pitch was filled with life as players jogged in unison during the warm-up.
Luka Modrić led the group, his movements precise and graceful, while Antonio Rüdiger cracked a joke that drew laughter from his teammates.
Both were leaders in the team, but there was a striking contrast between how Luka Modrić carried himself and how free Rüdiger was, joking around, playing and pranking teammates.
Away from all this, the master tactician, Carlo Ancelotti stood on the sideline surrounded by his assistants with a clipboard in hand, gesturing emphatically as he outlined the tactical drill
His voice carried authority as he instructed, "Quicker transitions! Move the ball with purpose!"
The players scattered into formation, executing a rondo drill with rapid, one-touch passes.
