Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a firm stance against La Liga’s scheduling, declaring that the club will no longer play matches with less than 72 hours of rest. The statement came after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, just 67 hours following an exhausting Champions League win against Atletico Madrid that extended into extra time and penalties. Ancelotti revealed that Madrid had twice urged La Liga to adjust the fixture list, citing FIFA’s 2023 recommendation of a mandatory 72-hour rest period, but received no response.

“We asked La Liga to change it twice and nothing happened,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference. “This is the last time we’ll play a game without 72 hours of rest. We will never play with less than that.” The Italian manager praised his squad’s resilience despite clear fatigue in the second half, crediting their spirit for clinching a win that provisionally placed Madrid atop the La Liga standings.

The match saw Villarreal take an early lead through Foyth’s left-footed strike, exploiting a tired Madrid defense. However, Kylian Mbappe’s first-half brace turned the tide, showcasing the team’s depth amid a grueling week that also secured their Champions League quarter-final spot. “I’m very proud of my players,” Ancelotti added. “It was a tricky game due to the rest period and Villarreal’s strength. This victory speaks volumes about the squad’s attributes.”

Madrid’s protest underscores growing concerns over player welfare amid packed schedules. With Thibaut Courtois’ early save and Mbappe’s heroics proving decisive, Ancelotti’s ultimatum signals a potential standoff with La Liga, prioritizing recovery over fixture demands as Real Madrid balances domestic and European ambitions.