Abu Dhabi: Be ready to see nothing but only white in the coming days with Spanish giants Real Madrid having already descended on the capital for their title-defence in the Fifa Club World Cup.
The city is already abuzz with hosts Al Jazira scripting a dream semi-final date with the mighty Los Blancos following two stunning victories over Auckland City and Asian Champions Urawa Red Diamonds.
Fans had turned up in large number at the airport but were deprived a glimpse of the star-studded team and only a chosen few from the local organising committee were fortunate enough to meet and greet the team as they were whisked away from the Abu Dhabi Airport’s private terminal to their Four Seasons hotel on Sunday night.
However, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos sent in a strong message for the legions of Merengues fans that the side is hungry for another silverware. “We have an opportunity to win another trophy for our fans”, Ramos said to the team’s official Club media.
“We were really looking forward to getting here. Being here is a prize, we have the opportunity to defend this title and win it again,” said Ramos, adding that coming off the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Sevilla, the team are confident of defending their 2016 Club World Cup title.
“Now we have to adapt after the journey and fight to win our sixth Club World Cup. We’re going in it really enthusiastically and with a real desire to take part. It’s an opportunity to win another trophy for our fans. We’re really motivated after a great game against Sevilla and we’re on a good run at the moment. We must now look to maintain this balance and consistency,” said Ramos, whose team got down to business amid rousing reception at the New York University grounds.
“I have been here for over four hours and but it was great to see my idol (Cristiano) Ronaldo. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I didn’t want to miss. I have also purchased the tickets for both semis and finals,” said 12-year-old fan Rizwan Ahmad.
The scenes outside the practice venue reflected the fanfare despite the University’s best efforts, as news had leaked that Real would be training at their pitch. Fans tried to enter from all corners of the venue despite being barricaded and covered in black. The only fortunate ones were the UAE-based Real Madrid Academy kids, parents, and families of the sponsors who were given a section in the stands to watch their idols train.
The team went through their drills under the watchful eyes of their coach Zinedine Zidane amid the non-stop whistling and howling of the fans. Understandably, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo got the loudest cheer as he jogged past the fans’ section, along with his star team mates like Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos — to name a few.
Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate, on the other hand, chose to keep their training a low profile affair at the Emirates Palace — barring everyone by keeping a closed door training for the second day in a row.
