Real Madrid headed towards same issue with La Liga that Ancelotti strongly opposed last season | OneFootball

Real Madrid may soon find themselves at odds with La Liga due to a brewing issue surrounding their congested fixture schedule. 

The Spanish giants are heading into their first La Liga match of the season without the recommended 72-hour rest period between competitive games – a guideline strongly encouraged by FIFA to safeguard player health and performance.

Following their morale-boosting victory over Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the 2025/26 season, spirits in the Real Madrid camp are understandably high. 

However, that optimism is now being clouded by growing frustration over the tight turnaround between upcoming fixtures.

Real Madrid’s schedule

Los Blancos are scheduled to face Girona on Sunday, November 30th, at 9:00 PM, before travelling to Bilbao to take on Athletic Club on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7:00 PM. 

This leaves them with just 70 hours of recovery time between matches, which is two hours short of FIFA’s minimum recommendation.

The reason behind this adjustment lies in the restructuring of La Liga Matchday 19. 

Real Madrid will have less than 72 hours of rest between the next two matches. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The calendar change was made to accommodate the Spanish Super Cup, set to be held in Saudi Arabia and featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao. 

As a result, the league has brought forward fixtures involving these four teams to December 2nd and 3rd.

There is a past

For Real Madrid, this development breaks a long-standing internal policy. 

The club has always maintained a strict rule of ensuring at least three full days of rest between competitive matches.

This is a stance that was strongly supported by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who once stated, “It’s the last time we play a game without 72 hours’ rest”

Up until now, La Liga’s calendar had adhered to that guideline. However, this new schedule challenges Real Madrid’s long-held position, reigniting debate over fixture congestion, player welfare, and television scheduling commitments.