Why Real Madrid Players Wear Hypoxia Masks in Training

• Real Madrid players were spotted wearing special masks and backpacks during a training session on August 21
• The reigning La Liga champions began their title defence in dispiriting fashion after a one-all draw against Mallorca
• The masks are a product and idea of their renowned fitness trainer, Antonio Pintus, who uses them from time to time

Fans were left astonished after Real Madrid players spotted special masks in their Wednesday training session.

The Spanish giants are often in the news for their performances on the pitch or their galacticos, but on August 21, it was their mode of training that raised eyebrows.

The players, including marquee signing Kylian Mbappe and veteran Luka Modric, all wore masks as they were put through their paces at their Valdebebas base.

Why Real Madrid players wear special masks in training

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The team's fitness coach, Antonio Pintus, has previously explained why the players use the masks.

"With these tests, I can then individualize the running work. The mask works to analyse oxygen and carbohydrates. We need to know the percentage of one and the other in order to determine the player's condition at the moment." he told the club's website.

"The result helps to personalise or at least give some direction to the work the team is doing," he added via GOAL.

What next for Real Madrid?

Carlo Ancelotti's side will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing opening-day draw to Mallorca. The Italian coach fielded both Mbappe and Vinicius Junior but could only breach Los Bermellones once.

The club plays Valladolid in their first home fixture on Sunday. Los Blancos have already claimed their first silverware of the new season after beating Atalanta in the Super Cup final on August 14.

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Mbappe demands payment from PSG

At the same time, Briefly News has reported that Mbappe has sued PSG over unpaid wages during his last season in the French capital.

Reports indicate that the new Real Madrid forward wants €55M owed to him as payment for the last three months of his contract.

Mbappe has reportedly taken the case to UEFA, which could result in PSG's ban from the Champions League if found guilty.

Source: TUKO.co.ke