Carlo Ancelotti issues ultimatum to La Liga over Real Madrid’s packed schedule and lack of rest
Controversy has erupted once again at Real Madrid, as the club faced Villarreal with minimal recovery time while battling to stay in the La Liga title race. With growing concerns among players and staff, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a strong ultimatum to La Liga.
Since kicking off their 2025 campaign on January 3, Real Madrid have played an exhausting 22 matches in just 71 days — an average of one game every three days — pushing players beyond standard recovery periods.
This grueling schedule resurfaced this week when Los Blancos had to face Villarreal on Saturday, just days after their UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. With only Thursday and Friday to recover, fatigue became a significant concern. When asked about the situation, Ancelotti praised his squad’s mentality but expressed frustration over the scheduling.
“The explanation is that this team has something special. It has character, commitment — they can’t always deliver, sometimes I get upset with them. But despite everything, we must thank these players who have made an enormous effort from January 3 until today,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference.
The Italian coach then issued a firm warning to La Liga: “Today is the last time we will play a match with less than 72 hours of rest. We’ve asked La Liga twice to change the schedule, and nothing has happened, but this is the last time it will happen. If it happens again, Real Madrid will not take the field“
La Liga denies Ancelotti’s claims
La Liga already clashed with Real Madrid this season with demands from both sides after complains about the referee system in detriment to the Spanish side. Now, the organ swiftly responded to Ancelotti’s remarks, denying the existence of Real Madrid’s alleged complaints.
According to MARCA, “From the institution led by Javier Tebas, they told MARCA that since the match schedule was set on February 25, Real Madrid hadn’t said anything until today — first through their official television channel and then via their coach.”
The scheduling debate is likely to continue, with Real Madrid not being the only club impacted. FC Barcelona face a similar challenge in April, with their Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Borussia Dortmund on April 9, followed by a La Liga match against Leganes on April 12, and the decisive second leg against Dortmund just three days later. Whether La Liga adjusts its stance on fixture congestion remains to be seen.