Real Madrid return from the United States with their bags full of confidence ahead of the big game of the summer, the UEFA Super Cup.

Results aside, it is widely believed that the intensity of training during the visit to the USA could make the difference against Eintracht Frankfurt.

There were 28 players on the plane to the USA, including four B team players, and 29 on the return trip home, as Borja Mayoral joined late because of the situation with his vaccination records.

Real Madrid began by losing 1-0 in the Las Vegas Clasico, continued with a 2-2 draw against Club America of Mexico in San Francisco and finished with a 2-0 win over Juventus in Los Angeles.

Along the way, the results and performances improved in tandem.

The positives from Real Madrid's US tour

The two new signings, Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni, were instant starters. They already know, though, that in Helsinki they will be on the bench, as Carlo Ancelotti has reserved that match for those who have made it possible: the winners of the 14th Champions League.

The centre-back made his debut, surprisingly, at left-back, where the coach had tested him in the previous training session.

He then moved to left centre-back and then right. The German's leadership and character, as evidenced in the brawl against Barcelona, have impressed Real Madrid fans.

Tchouameni started off well and then loosened up and was present in the final third of the pitch later on.

The coaching staff and the dressing room have been impressed and pleased with his physicality and motivation.

Asensio and Hazard's glimpses of promise

Marcos Asensio's contract is up in June 2023 but he scored the decisive goal against Juventus in the final game of the tour.

With no interesting proposals for him for Real Madrid to think about, it seems he is staying, although August is very long.

It is still not clear if Eden Hazard will be used as a false nine or just as a wide forward, but he had some moments of promise during the trip.