The Spanish national team prepared with their only training session where coach Luis de la Fuente could gather all his available players, on the eve of the Euro 2024 semifinal against France. Robin Le Normand, who is suspended for the match, and Pedri, sidelined with a knee sprain suffered in the quarterfinals, were absent.

Focused on their work and unfazed by the noise caused by captain Álvaro Morata’s statement that this could be his last international tournament, 24 of the 26 Spanish internationals trained at their usual practice field in Germany.

At the SV Aasen sports center, after two days where De la Fuente prioritized rest, and players with more minutes on the pitch chose their training sessions, all available players laced up their boots again for an important practice.

In the first fifteen minutes open to the media, warm-ups with jokes led to rondos that quickly intensified. Initially divided into two groups of thirteen and eleven players, including the three goalkeepers, they later merged into a larger group around the center circle.

Le Normand, who was substituted at halftime against Germany after receiving a yellow card and is suspended against France, was absent from the group. Pedri also stayed out due to his grade 2 knee sprain but remained with the squad to support them in Munich for the semifinals.

With Dani Carvajal in the group, despite being Spain’s second suspension for the match against France, the closed-door session focused on crucial field work. De la Fuente emphasized tactical concepts, defensive support, and strategies to counter France’s quick counterattacks.

There was also time to practice set pieces, finishing shots, and penalty kicks. Spain avoided penalties in the quarterfinals with a late extra-time goal, but as usual in some training sessions, field players took shots against Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro.

From outside the modest sports complex in Donaueschingen, a small group of fans cheered on the internationals with chants of "Champions, we love you" and "Go get them." This could be their last session in the Black Forest unless they reach the final. If they eliminate France, the Spanish delegation will return to their base camp at Der Öschberghof.