Real Madrid’s Request to Postpone La Liga Opener Rejected by Judge
La Liga has officially denied Real Madrid’s appeal to postpone their 2025/26 season opener against Osasuna, scheduled for August 19 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The club cited inadequate recovery time following the FIFA Club World Cup but failed to convince the competition’s governing authorities.
Judge Rejects Postponement Despite Support
The request was dismissed by the Competition’s Sole Referee, José Alberto Peláez, who ruled there were no sufficient grounds to alter the league’s calendar. Real Madrid’s argument focused on the lack of proper preseason rest and training for their senior squad, many of whom are returning from an extended break post-World Cup.
Despite backing from the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE), which pointed to labor agreements requiring a minimum 21-day rest period, the match date remains unchanged.
Madrid May Appeal to Higher Sports Courts
Real Madrid are now considering filing an appeal with the Appeals Committee or escalating the issue to Spain’s Administrative Court for Sport (TAD) institutions under the Spanish Higher Council for Sport.
Club officials are currently evaluating legal strategies and procedural timelines, although time is running short. Any appeal must be filed imminently to have a chance of impacting the calendar.
A Tight Timeline for Xabi Alonso
The club’s preseason officially begins next Monday, giving coach Xabi Alonso and his staff fewer than three weeks to prepare the squad both physically and tactically for the Osasuna clash.
The truncated schedule has sparked internal concerns, especially regarding player fitness and injury prevention.
Transfer Market and Squad Depth
Real Madrid’s management is also weighing potential reinforcements during the final stretch of the transfer window, aiming to add depth ahead of a demanding campaign that includes La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa fixtures.
