This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On Monday, Real Madrid's players resumed training at the club's Valdebebas facility, marking a significant step towards the planned resumption of La Liga next month.
After a two-month hiatus, the team's return to training comes on the heels of a coronavirus testing period that yielded no positive cases last week.
Real Madrid was one of the first clubs to go into quarantine on March 12, following a basketball player's positive test for the virus, which led to the suspension of all competitive fixtures in La Liga.
Under the guidance of coach Zinedine Zidane, the team has initiated the first phase of La Liga's training programme, which includes individual exercises with and without the ball, with a maximum of six players on a pitch at once.
"Divided into two rotations and on various pitches, Real Madrid footballers carried out their first individual exercises with and without the ball," the club stated, accompanied by photographs of the players in action.
Notably, Eden Hazard was among those pictured, marking his return after undergoing surgery on his right foot in the United States on March 5.
Other notable players, including Thibaut Courtois, Gareth Bale, and Marcelo, were also spotted training alone, while Zidane wore a mask as he gave instructions.
Real Madrid had opted to wait until Monday to begin training again, following the lead of other clubs like Barcelona, Sevilla, and Villarreal, which resumed training on Friday.
Barcelona currently leads the table, with a two-point advantage over Real Madrid.
La Liga's plan involves a staggered schedule, with players progressing from individual training to small groups and eventually larger team sessions.
League president Javier Tebas expressed hope that games might restart behind closed doors on June 12, with the remaining 11 rounds of La Liga matches to be played over 35 days, with fixtures on every day during that period.
