Why are Real Madrid players training in masks?

Real Madrid returned to training this week after two days off following their win against Rayo Vallecano – but on Wednesday their session looked quite different.

Squad members were taking part in high-intensity drills while wearing unusual blue masks.

Several players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, shared photos of themselves wearing the masks on social media, sparking curiosity about them.

The masks have been introduced under the guidance of Antonio Pintus, Real Madrid’s performance manager, who oversees the players’ physical conditioning.

While the masks may resemble altitude-training equipment, their purpose is very different.

Worn during short 15-20 minute stress tests, Pintus told Real Madrid TV that the Cosmed K5 masks are “designed to find out the players’ aerobic and anaerobic thresholds and their current power”.

The masks allow staff to analyse exact VO2 max levels – this is the maximum rate at which the body can consume and use oxygen during intense exercise. The technology can also assess whether players are relying more on fats or carbohydrates for fuel.

Sports physiotherapist Ben Warbuton explained that these masks are traditionally used in controlled environments, such as on a treadmill or exercise bike, to assess fitness levels. However, Real Madrid have adapted the technology so it can be used during normal training sessions.

“They’ve got hold of high-tech equipment to complete it during training,” Waarbuton said. “This benefits the coaches because they can test the players and train at the same time.”

He added that traditional VO2 max testing can be impractical during the season. “If all players did a treadmill or bike test, it would be very time-consuming. They would lose a training session, and a treadmill is a harder and different surface to grass,” he explained.

By integrating the masks into football-specific drills, Warbuton says there is also a reduced injury risk.

“By wearing these masks in training, there’s a slight decrease in the risk of soft-tissue injuries, such as tight calves. They don’t waste a session and still get valuable fitness information.”

The data gathered allows staff to assess each player’s condition and tailor workloads accordingly.

“The results will tell the coaches how fit the players are,” Warbuton added. “They’ll compare them to their own baselines, or to other players in the same position. Players with a lower VO2 max may need extra fitness and conditioning work.

“It’s just one way of looking at a player’s conditioning levels. I imagine it’s very expensive, which is why not all clubs adopt it.”