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Tottenham highlights from a week of preparation in Madrid

By Gary Pearson

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 07: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur stretches during a training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match against Ajax at Johan Cruyff Arena on May 07, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 07: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur stretches during a training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match against Ajax at Johan Cruyff Arena on May 07, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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It seems, since Tottenham pulled off the miraculous comeback in Amsterdam, like time has stood still, but the side is hard at work in Madrid, making their final preparations. 

While that perception feels true for many supporters, the team has been in full preparation mode for a couple of weeks, ironing out any kinks before Saturday’s kickoff.

Free-kick practice

Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Eric Dier smash targets like they’re nailing multiple bullseyes on a dartboard. They make it look so easy under Spain’s sunny skies, clearing the wall with aplomb, giving no chance to the goalkeepers. If only it was this easy during the high-pressure, tense environment of a Champions League final. But seeing the lads pick their spots from distance still bodes well for set pieces awarded to Tottenham on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1134146200918220802

Uplifted and well rested

Spirits are high at Spurs’ camp. You don’t have to be a genius to work out why. Well rested and on top of the world, the lads are in a sound mental space. Preparing for three weeks for a one-off final has its difficulties, though, but the extended layoff has allowed the likes of Harry Kane, Harry Winks, Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen the recovery time they dearly needed.

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https://twitter.com/AlderweireldTob/status/1134127648182079489

Dramatic slow motion footage of training

Limbering and loosening up, training is going according to plan in Madrid. Players are saying a great balance of light and intense training is preparing them for what awaits on Saturday. Toby Alderweireld says the team is “training like animals” prior to taking on Liverpool in the biggest match in club history. Hopefully they play like animals, as that’s the kind of intensity required to upset Liverpool.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1134121637564047361

Pranks galore in Madrid

Having fun is a quintessential part of achieving great success. Paulo Gazzaniga unknowingly gets showered with a cold bucket of water as he settles into a therapeutic ice bath. The lads look relaxed going into Saturday’s final, so let’s hope they can sustain that mantra and not get bogged down by the nerves of the occasion.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1134047463571173377

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