Barcelona forced to play two matches in under 65 hours after La Liga rejects appeal | OneFootball

Real Madrid expressed significant frustration last weekend over their scheduling, having to play against Villarreal on Saturday after competing in the Champions League round of 16 just three days earlier.

Carlo Ancelotti even hinted at the possibility of boycotting future matches if his team continued to face such tight turnarounds.

However, Barcelona now find themselves in an even worse situation.

The Single Judge of Professional Competitions has dismissed the appeal filed by both Barcelona and Osasuna regarding their rescheduled fixture, forcing Barça to play two matches next week with only 64 hours between them.

This is because the postponed match, originally delayed due to the sudden passing of Dr. Carles Minarro, has been definitively scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 9:00 p.m. at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Less than 72 hours of rest

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s crucial La Liga fixture against Girona on Sunday, March 30, has not been rescheduled, meaning it will still take place at 4:15 p.m.

Barcelona will play Osasuna on March 27. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

This means that from the final whistle against Osasuna to kickoff against Girona, only 65 hours will pass. However, due to the daylight saving time change in Spain that weekend, the actual gap will be reduced to 64 hours.

In contrast, La Liga has adjusted Osasuna’s schedule to accommodate the tight turnaround. Originally set to visit San Mames for a Friday night clash against Athletic Club, their match has now been pushed to Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Barcelona unhappy

Barcelona’s management, particularly Hansi Flick, is unhappy with this decision.

The club will return to training on Monday, but many of their international players will still be away. Some might rejoin the squad early in the week, while others will arrive later.

Additionally, Raphinha and Ronald Araujo could face further complications depending on their international commitments and potential suspensions, making their availability uncertain.