The Champions League holders responded to Zinedine Zidane’s resignation by replacing the Frenchman with ex-Spain boss Lopetegui, and the new man was pictured smiling with club legend Raul on board their plane prior to take-off.

Gareth Bale, their matchwinner in the final against Liverpool meanwhile, posed with German star Toni Kroos in photographs published on Real’s social media account.

New signing Alvaro Odriozola was also part of the group, and the Spain international right-back relaxed in his seat as he prepared for the long journey across the Atlantic.

Odriozola will compete with first-choice Dani Carvajal for a place both in the Real team and internationally with Spain this season.

There was, of course, no Cristiano Ronaldo in the Real squad following the former stalwart’s move to Juventus this summer.

With no replacement as yet forthcoming, several players – namely Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez – tipped to succeed him in the starting line-up travelled.

The Bernabeu club also welcomed back a host of World Cup stars, with versatile defender Nacho joining Germany central midfielder Kroos in the group.

Both players suffered heartache in Russia, but will quickly seek to put those woes behind them this pre-season.

Despite suggestions he was close to a loan move to Real Sociedad, left-back Theo Hernandez boarded the plane alongside fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema.

Real play Manchester United in Miami first up in the Champions Cup before taking on Ronaldo’s Juventus in a potential reunion  next Saturday.

They start the regular season with a clash against city neighbours Atletico in the Super Cup on August 15.