Real Madrid Players Apply Sunscreen and Use Wet Towels to Cool Down During Training

Real Madrid held their final training session before their Club World Cup debut. The weather was extremely hot. During the 15-minute media access period, details emerged of players applying sunscreen and using towels soaked in ice water to cool down.

Xabi Alonso continuously gave instructions to the players throughout the session. He even had a brief exchange with Valverde before training began and provided guidance to Güler during passing drills.

Playing at 3 PM Poses High Risk for Real Madrid

Cadena COPE host interviewed Pablo Fuentes, a Spaniard living in Miami and a multiple-time Ironman triathlete.

"The key during exercise is how to cool the body down. When you're at Hard Rock Stadium at 3 PM, the direct sunlight causes you to absorb far more heat than you can dissipate, and you can't shed heat through conduction," he explained.

He also stated that Real Madrid's four-day window from arrival in Miami to the match day was too short. For athletes, even with excellent genetics, it takes at least seven to fourteen days to fully adapt to the climate difference.

Furthermore, he added: "FIFA uses a protocol called WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature) to assess heat risk for players during matches. However, modern science considers this protocol outdated. Personally, I believe the risk of playing at 3 PM is far greater than FIFA describes."