On the eve of Real Madrid’s game against Villarreal, Real Madrid made an important announcement on its official television channel RMTV. The statement made it clear that Real Madrid would not participate in any future event that failed to secure a 72-hour break.\
The official statement read: “Real Madrid will not participate in games with less than 72 hours of rest, and the club will actively seek support and assistance from FIFA.” The trip to Villarreal will be Real Madrid’s last appearance in a similar tight schedule.
Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Champions League after an extra-time and penalty shootout. However, after only 66 hours of rest, Real Madrid will meet with Villarreal in the early hours of this morning.
Earlier, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the schedule. He pointed out that FIFA recommends a minimum of 72 hours of rest for players, but that the current tournament schedule gives too much weight to financial gain and television rights and ignores the physical recovery needs of players. The intensive schedule leads to the physical overdraft of the players and the serious lack of preparation time. This decision by Real Madrid is both a strong protection for the physical and mental health of the players and a firm protest against the current unreasonable schedule.
