The team bus journey from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi took about two hours. Vast deserts stretched across the landscape visible from the windows. As they approached Abu Dhabi, high-rise buildings and mosques began to appear, and they arrived at their hotel, where they would be staying from today, shortly after 12 PM.
After unloading a large amount of luggage and having lunch, they immediately began preparing for training. Today, 12 players who played for 45 minutes or more in the match against CD Guadalajara are undergoing a recovery-focused regimen in the hotel pool.
The other 12 players headed to the training ground. A mosque can be seen from the vast pitch located very close to the sea. Training began in the heat, with temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius. Sogahata and Kawamata are practicing catching with GK coach Sato.
Again today, only the initial part of the training was open to the press, and the training became private after 5:15 PM. By the time they finished all the drills, including mini-games, the sun had completely set.
Tomorrow, training will again be held at 5 PM local time. Preparations for Wednesday's semi-final match against Real Madrid will continue.