Real Madrid veteran expresses satisfaction over cancellation of Villarreal-Barcelona Miami match – ‘It didn’t make sense’ | OneFootball

In a significant development, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has expressed his strong satisfaction towards the cancellation of the upcoming match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami. 

Scheduled for December 20, 2025, this fixture was set to be the first official La Liga game held outside Spain. 

However, the move faced widespread criticism from various stakeholders, leading to its eventual cancellation.

Courtois and Real Madrid satisfied

Courtois, speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League, voiced his concerns, stating, 

“I’m satisfied. It didn’t make sense to do it without transparency because the games have to be played at your home, as I said yesterday. It’s common sense,” he said as quoted by MARCA. 

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the competition, noting, “If it’s done in the future, all the clubs should vote together. Everyone has to be in favour.

“I think that if the Spanish league and its brand are good and you believe it’s the best league in the world, you don’t have to go elsewhere to play games. 

“You have to fill your stadiums and improve other things.

Courtois further criticised the financial implications, remarking, 

Courtois expressed his satisfaction. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Financial Fair Play is good, but in the end, many clubs are selling their best players to comply.” 

He concluded by highlighting the need for improvement in other areas, stating, 

“It’s not normal that in September there are teams performing miracles to register players.

“That’s the first thing that has to change and improve. That’s what pre-season is for. There are other things to improve your image.”

A setback for La Liga’s global ambitions

Despite initial approvals from UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation, the proposed Miami match faced significant opposition. 

Real Madrid, along with other clubs, expressed concerns over the fairness of altering the traditional home-and-away structure. 

Players across the league staged silent protests, signalling widespread discontent. La Liga’s promoter, Relevent, cited insufficient time and rising uncertainty in Spain as reasons for postponement. 

The league eventually expressed disappointment, framing the international match as a pivotal move for global expansion and financial sustainability.