Real Madrid prepare for return from winter break and hold team Christmas lunch while Cristiano Ronaldo hails successful calendar year
- Real Madrid are coming towards the end of their scheduled winter break
- They take on Sevilla in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 4, 2017
- Zinedine Zidane led an open training session in front of a packed crowd
Real Madrid may not be in action again until the new year, but that does not mean they are simply resting over the Christmas period - even if they have been allowed a slight indulgence.
The La Liga leaders have had a fine start to the campaign, pulling ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona going into the winter break. They also captured the Club World Cup earlier in December.
Zinedine Zidane's side might have thought that would have earned them a long break, but the coach was putting them through their paces early on Friday morning. But they were given a break in the afternoon as the squad held their festive lunch, with all the big names in attendance.
Real Madrid's players sit around the table as the team hold their annual Christmas lunch
Sergio Ramos was suited and booted for the meal - and posed with Real's huge trophy haul
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team-mates pose in front of the crowd at the session
Ronaldo takes part in a passing drill with a number of his Real Madrid team-mates
Ronaldo comes under pressure from Marco Asensio as Real prepare for the Sevilla match
The players go through a warm-up routine at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on Friday
And with good reason, as they will be hoping to continue their fine form when they take on Sevilla in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 4.
There was good news for Real, as Sergio Ramos continued his comeback from injury by jogging alone in front of a packed crowd at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.
Zidane also offered up an opportunity for players from the club's Castilla side to train with the first-team. Luca Zidane, Alvaro Tejero, Martin Odegaard and Enzo Zidane were involved in the session.
The tie against Europa League holders Sevilla is a repeat of this season's Super Cup match. Real emerged 3-2 victors after a thrilling contest.
Zinedine Zidane watches on as he puts his La Liga leaders through their paces on Friday
Karim Benzema and Danilo battle for the ball as Real continue to work on their fitness
Speaking after the session on Friday, Ronaldo admitted that 2016 had been a significant year for himself and the club.
He said: 'It has been a dream year, both for Real Madrid and for the national team; An unforgettable year at an individual and collective level.
'I'm very happy. I hope 2017 will be as good and full of trophies and enjoyment'.
Real are top of the La Liga table with a game in-hand on closest rivals Barcelona. The capital city club are three points clear.
Sergio Ramos provided Real with a boost as he trained alone following his recent injury
Zidane has a few words of encouragement for Real's players during the session in Madrid
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