Real Madrid demands 72 hours rest to play matches
- Real Madrid confirmed their decision to only play matches with at least 72 hours of rest between them.
- The announcement follows their victory over Villarreal, which occurred just 66 hours after a Champions League match.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti stated this would be the last instance the team plays in such conditions, urging for scheduling changes.
In Spain, Real Madrid made a firm declaration following their 2-1 victory against Villarreal on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The match took place only 66 hours after their demanding Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, which required a penalty shootout, exhausting the players. In light of the intense performance schedule, head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration over the lack of rest, confirming that this would be the last instance in which the team would participate in games without a minimum recovery period of 72 hours. The club had previously requested La Liga to reschedule the Villarreal match to Sunday to ensure adequate rest but received no positive response. Real Madrid's management is invoking a FIFA recommendation introduced in 2023 that enforces a compulsory minimum rest period of 72 hours between matches. This rule aims to safeguard player health and performance, considering the physical demands placed on professional athletes. Ancelotti emphasized the unique character and commitment of his squad, highlighting their physical capabilities as they managed to secure victory despite the exhaustion evident in the second half of the game. The match clinched by two goals from star player Kylian Mbappé was a testament to the squad's resilience and determination under strenuous conditions. Ancelotti acknowledged the significant effort displayed by the team, which had been compounded since January 3. The club's announcement underlines the growing concerns within football regarding player welfare in the modern game. As elite teams compete on multiple fronts, the pressure to perform can lead to inadequate recovery times, risking injuries and diminishing performance levels. The ruling could have repercussions not just for Real Madrid but across the Spanish league and beyond as clubs face the challenge of balancing competitive integrity with the well-being of athletes. Furthermore, the team's discussions with FIFA may yet influence the broader regulatory framework for match scheduling in professional football. Ancelotti's call for respect towards players' health is set to spark debate across the sport as stakeholders begin to react to Real Madrid's bold stance.