THE TEAM USE THEIR SMARTS THIS FRIDAY IN AN ESCAPE ROOM

After a week of work at the training village preparing for the visit of Real Valladolid, Pablo Machín had a very different session prepared. The team, now with all five internationals back with the group, got on the official team coach to take part in a slightly unusual activity. Divided into three groups, the players had to face the challenges posed by an escape room set in different time periods in history. Asked about the activity in Friday's press conference, the manager assured that it was a necessary excursion: 'For me, the team comes first. Individuality helps, but when it is at the service of others. If the team is getting good results, it makes us all better.'

In terms of how the activity went, he confirmed that 'they're activities that I like to do within the opportunities that our schedule gives us. It brings the group together and it sharpens the smarts and the players' leadership skills. After five consecutive training sessions, it was the ideal time with all the internationals back with the team. This certainly won't lead us to win or lose a match, but it's something that's good to do throughout the season.'