Real Madrid has decided it will no longer participate in matches without having at least a 72-hour rest period in between games. This significant decision comes in the wake of their recent 2-1 victory over Villarreal. The announcement was backed by Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach, who confirmed the club’s stance after the match on Saturday.
The match against Villarreal commenced at 6:30 p.m. local time, or 1730 GMT, on Saturday. Just days prior, Real Madrid faced a tough Champions League battle against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. That game began at 9:00 p.m. and extended through 120 minutes, concluding with a penalty shootout. The tight schedule appears to have triggered Real Madrid’s decision to ensure players have adequate recovery time before stepping onto the pitch again.
Ancelotti emphasized, “This is the last time we will play within 72 hours,” highlighting that the club had initially requested La Liga to reschedule the game to Sunday. However, this request was not granted.
In light of the scheduling pressures, Real Madrid also intends to consult with FIFA about the organization of games in the forthcoming weeks to prevent similar situations. The club is seeking a cooperative approach to scheduling that will safeguard their players’ well-being while maintaining competitive integrity.
