Atletico Madrid is on course for the La Liga campaign of 2025/26 after a 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Los Rojiblancos is forced to work within a tight period of time at the back of their disappointing FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Diego Simeone's side bowed in the group stage with his team and then went for a late summer vacation for the preseason.
With the time of the essence, Simeone and his coaching staff have worked overtime to prepare the players, and they enjoyed a longer break than some rivals.
Real Madrid is only back in training a matter of days after they have reached the semi -final of the new extensive tournament.
After he had brought in a large number of new faces, the Simeone team has difficulty making liquid, with a defeat against Porto and a draw against Rayo Vallecano-filled by a 2-0 win at Newcastle United.
Antoine Griezmann scored for the second game, in addition to one of Julian Alvarez on Tyneside, and the France star believes that the break has made a huge difference for his preparation.
“We work very well. We didn't have much time to get in shape and it was very intense,” he said.
“I feel good. I needed this peace, and with the people who took care of me during the preseason, I did very important work and I am sure it will help me this season
“They looked at it little by little. We know it is difficult to play for Atletico Madrid. We have to help the new players, they have received a lot of affection from the fans, and that will help them feel more comfortable.”
Their first match of the new LA Liga season will be against Espanyol on August 17 for a home base against newly promoted Elche on August 23 and the last match for the International break of September is a trip to Alaves on August 30.