SDB MIC Cup Day 3

Day 3: Shopping, Stadiums & Switching Gears

Day three in Madrid kicked off a little differently - and honestly, a slower morning was just what the group needed. While half our crew was still buzzing from their epic trip to Barcelona (where they watched Barcelona absolutely dismantle Dortmund live at the Olympic Stadium - ddyes, we were jealous!), those of us who stayed behind took the morning to relax and explore.

After a leisurely breakfast, we jumped on the bus and made our way to Las Rozas Village, one of Madrid’s premier shopping outlets. With its charming European streets, top-tier stores, and sunny skies, it was the perfect place for parents and players to stretch their legs, grab a few souvenirs, and maybe snag a new kit or two. Meanwhile, on TV screens everywhere, Barcelona’s performance the night before had everyone talking. It was pure Tiki-Taka magic, and even the die-hard Madrid fans among us had to admit—Barça were back to their best.

By midday, it was time to reunite with our Barcelona crew. We made our way into the city to pick them up from Madrid’s main train station. After a smooth three-hour ride across the country, they stepped off the train beaming with stories, still buzzing from a night they’ll never forget. The energy lifted immediately as we loaded up and headed straight to our next football pilgrimage stop… Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – the legendary home of Real Madrid.

Even from the outside, the place was electric—crowds everywhere, shops buzzing, and that unmistakable hum of football greatness. Once inside, it was game on. The players raced through the museum, eager to see the pitch, the trophies, the legacy. And wow - what a legacy it is. From La Liga glories to 14 Champions League titles, there was silverware everywhere you looked.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: stepping out into the stadium itself. As we entered the stands, jaws dropped. The scale. The design. The pure history. Every single seat had a perfect view—this was football royalty, and we were standing in it.

After soaking it all in (and snapping more than a few selfies), we boarded the bus once more, heading back to the hotel for the next important part of the day - team time.

Back at base, the players changed into their SDB polos and tracksuit pants and filed into our meeting room for the official squad briefing. Coaches Marcus, Rodrigo, and Fabio led the session, shifting the focus from sightseeing back to serious football. With our tournament just around the corner, it was time to flick the switch from “tourist mode” to “game mode.”

The coaches laid out the structure, tactics, and expectations for the week ahead. It was a great session - focused, insightful, and full of purpose. The players soaked it up like sponges. You could feel the shift happening: heads nodding, minds sharpening, boots ready to hit the ground running.

Dinner followed at 8 PM - another buffet feast - and by that point, you could see the fatigue setting in. Between travel, football, shopping, and stadium tours, it had been a massive day. Especially for those coming back from Barcelona, the bed couldn’t come soon enough.

Tomorrow? Another dream day: we’re off to Atlético Madrid’s training grounds and a full tour of the stunning Metropolitano Stadium.

The journey continues… and the best is yet to come.