Xabi Alonso’s side made it to the semifinals of the Club World Cup, suffering a 4–0 evisceration at the hands of PSG on July 9. Players operating in Spain are entitled to three consecutive weeks of holiday between seasons, leaving Madrid with just 18 days before they host Osasuna.

Madrid's 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final meant they have 40 days to rest and prepare for their La Liga opener.

Spanish league president Javier Tebas refused Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' request to delay their 2025-26 opener for resting after the expanded Club World Cup. Tebas emphasized collaboration with the Spanish Football Federation,