Real Madrid's squad has been spotted in training sessions wearing distinctive blue face masks that bear a striking resemblance to oxygen equipment typically used for high-altitude simulation. However, these masks serve a very different and highly sophisticated purpose, spearheaded by the club's performance manager, Antonio Pintus, who is responsible for overseeing the physical conditioning of the players.
The Science Behind the Masks
The equipment, known as Cosmed K5 masks, is utilised during stress tests to gather critical data on the athletes' fitness levels. Pintus explained to Real Madrid TV that the masks are specifically designed to determine the players' aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, as well as their current power output. By measuring exact VO2 max levels—the maximum rate at which the body can consume and utilise oxygen during intense exercise—the staff can gain invaluable insights into each player's physiological capabilities.
Efficiency and Practical Benefits
Sports physiotherapist Ben Warburton highlighted the practical advantages of this approach in an interview with BBC Sport. He noted that by incorporating the high-tech equipment directly into training sessions, Real Madrid can conduct essential testing without sacrificing valuable practice time. Traditionally, players would need to undergo separate treadmill or bike tests, which are not only time-consuming but also conducted on surfaces that differ from the grass pitch, potentially skewing results.
This innovative method allows the club to perform two tasks simultaneously: analysing player data and maintaining regular training routines. As a result, it significantly reduces the risk of injuries by providing immediate feedback on issues like muscle tightness, enabling prompt intervention before conditions worsen. Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was among the players observed wearing the masks during a recent session, underscoring their widespread use within the team.
Historical Context and Cost
This is not the first instance of Real Madrid employing these masks; the club even shared a video titled 'The masks are back!' on their YouTube channel, indicating a recurring practice. The masks are produced by the Italian company Cosmed, which emphasises their anatomically contoured design with a resilient ribbed support structure for a leak-free and comfortable fit, along with an integrated chin cup for stability.
According to reports from The Athletic, each Cosmed K5 kit carries a price tag of approximately £26,000, with some units being loaned by the club to manage costs. Pintus, who first joined Real Madrid in 2016, has been utilising this technology since the 1990s during his tenure at Monaco. The masks have also been used under previous managers at Madrid, including Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, and on occasion during Xabi Alonso's leadership, demonstrating their long-standing integration into the club's fitness regimen.
