Recent photographs show Real Madrid players training with futuristic masks on their faces.

It turns out that it is a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) mask, which is designed to imitate the effects of altitude training.

Real Madrid conditioning coach Antonio Pintus utilizes them to create personalized training routines for each player, and this isn’t the first time he’s done so.

Pintus normally utilizes them during high-intensity pre-season trainings, and he even detailed how the unusual fitness test works in an interview with Real Madrid TV in 2022.

“The test is performed utilizing a mask and a layer 5 system. It is definitely not hypoxia training. It is a test designed to determine the players’ aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, as well as their present power.

“The mask functions by analysing oxygen and carbs. We need to know the percentages of one and the other to assess the player’s current state.

“The result helps to personalize or at least direct the team’s work.

It appears that coaches aim to address the team’s run of four draws in eight games by putting more emphasis on physical training.