The scheduling of Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture against Valencia has sparked widespread anger inside the Royal club, following La Liga’s decision to stage the match on Saturday, November 7—just three days after a grueling European trip to Athens.
Spanish newspaper As reported that the discontent permeates the board, coaching staff, and squad, with none understanding why the team is being forced to play at Mestalla at 9:00 PM on Saturday after taking on AEK Athens on Wednesday evening, November 4.
Real Madrid will return to the Spanish capital early Thursday morning, meaning manager José Mourinho and his side will practically only have Thursday evening (should he schedule a session) and Friday to prepare and travel to Valencia.
Club sources described La Liga’s decision as causing “immense disappointment and surprise,” particularly given that Real Madrid have no midweek Champions League or Copa del Rey commitments the following week prior to the international break.
Frustration has been compounded by the fact that Spain’s other Champions League representatives are set to play on Sunday, November 8—with Real Betis taking on Elche, Villarreal facing Getafe, and Atlético Madrid hosting Barcelona.
Real Madrid maintain that moving their fixture to Sunday was entirely feasible without disrupting the matchday calendar and would have granted players a crucial extra day to recover from travel. While the club has not yet issued a formal protest, internal fury threatens to spark a fresh wave of tension with La Liga authorities.
