Following Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Villarreal, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has voiced his frustration over the demanding fixture schedule, particularly the short turnaround between matches. The game against Villarreal kicked off just 67 hours after Madrid’s Champions League clash with Atletico, prompting Ancelotti to warn that his team would not tolerate such tight scheduling in the future.
Ancelotti revealed that Real Madrid had twice requested LaLiga to reschedule the Villarreal match to allow for adequate recovery, but their appeals were denied. He stressed the importance of a minimum 72-hour rest period between games for player well-being and performance.
In response, LaLiga President Javier Tebas acknowledged that Madrid had requested to push their upcoming match against Leganés from 16:15 to 21:00 for more recovery time after international fixtures. However, this adjustment still leaves less than 72 hours before their Copa del Rey clash with Real Sociedad, contradicting Ancelotti’s call for extended rest periods.
Other LaLiga coaches have shared differing perspectives on the issue. Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini noted that teams often play with less than 72 hours of rest and don’t complain. Likewise, Athletic Bilbao’s Ernesto Valverde pointed out that if a strict 72-hour rule were enforced, his team would have had to forfeit several matches this season.
Meanwhile, David Aganzo, president of the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE), has supported Ancelotti’s concerns, emphasizing that player health should take priority. He cited the rising number of matches and injuries in recent seasons as a reason to reconsider the scheduling system.
The ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing player welfare with commercial and broadcasting commitments. As discussions continue, clubs, governing bodies, and player representatives will need to find a compromise that ensures both competitive fairness and athlete well-being.
