Real Madrid furious with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid

Real Madrid are furious that LaLiga has scheduled their game against Villarreal on matchday 28 for 6:30 p.m. local time (12:30 p.m. ET) on Saturday, March 15, giving them what they feel is a considerable disadvantage in the title race in Spain.

Less rest for Real Madrid after Champions League derby

With the fight to be crowned champions edging closer to its conclusion, Los Blancos are baffled by LaLiga’s decision to give them one less day of rest compared to Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, who meet at the Metropolitano on Sunday, March 16, at 9:00 p.m Spanish time (3:00 p.m. ET).

The issue is compounded by a crucial Champions League game between the Madrid rivals just four days earlier at Atlético’s home ground on Wednesday, March 12. That will be the second leg of the round-of-16 matchup, so either Madrid or Atleti will be knocked out of the competition, adding to the physical and mental toll of a high-stakes game.

Due to LaLiga’s scheduling, Ancelotti’s team will head to Villarreal with only two days of rest after the grueling European match, and on top of that, they’ll play at 6:30 p.m. (12:30 p.m. ET), forcing them to wake up early to catch a flight and arrive in time for a 1:00 p.m (7:00 a.m. ET) meal to properly digest before the game. An unnecessary inconvenience.

Ancelotti attacks LaLiga

“We’re wondering why they didn’t schedule the match, which is a very demanding away game against a strong team like Marcelino’s Villarreal, for Sunday at 6:30 p.m (12:30 p.m. ET). Then they say we’re being paranoid. They don’t give us a break. This way, it’s impossible to compete on equal terms,” Ancelotti expressed bluntly in a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Copa Del Rey semifinal first leg against Real Sociead.

“Considering the absurd schedule we have, we’re doing very well. In 52 days, we’re back to when I was playing, because it’s been 17 matches in that time. Incredible. I’m tired, and you’re tired. You need rest. We need rest…” he added. Clear as day.

Original article written by Tomás Roncero, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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