Carlo Ancelotti hit out at the packed football calendar with his Real Madrid side facing Villarreal tomorrow, less than 72 hours after their gruelling Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Madrid required penalties to edge out their city rivals, although much of the focus afterwards was on the controversial decision to disallow Julian Alvarez’s spot-kick after he was adjudged to have touched the ball twice.
It was a long and emotional night and Ancelotti is frustrated his players won’t get more time to rest ahead of another crunch match in the title race.
He said: “I don’t understand, but we can’t do anything. The minimum [gap] is 72 hours. I don’t understand it… but it’s the calendar here.
“Television right are prioritised, not the recovery of the players.
“Since January we have not stopped for a moment, playing every three days. Tomorrow’s game is the 21st or 22nd [this calendar year]. It’s too much. Even for me, who doesn’t play.
“Preparing a game every three days… the players don’t have time to recover. But what can be done? The only thing possible is to stop but it can’t be done.”
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The Italian admitted the short turnaround would likely affect their approach to the game.
“Tomorrow we will have to make an extraordinary effort,” he added. “We can’t have the energy and freshness needed, because we don’t have enough time for it. But we must put in a good attitude, play an intelligent game. There are many ways to win, defending well, for example.”
It’s another tricky test for a Madrid side that have not away from home in La Liga since January 25, losing at Espanyol and Real Betis and drawing at Osasuna.
Fifth-placed Villarreal will be looking to reignite their hopes of finishing in a Champions League qualification spot after losing at Alaves last weekend.
Team News for Villarreal v Real Madrid
Ancelotti confirmed Vinicius Jr had been given an extra day of rest after his subdued performance against Atleti which included him blazing a second-half penalty high and wide.
The Brazil international has received some criticism for his display at the Metropolitano but his coach was quick to back one of his star men.
Ancelotti said: “He may play better or worse games, but he is indisputable. If sometimes he doesn’t play well, or fails… I don’t argue with it. He has been so important for this club that I can’t argue about it.”
Madrid will have the same squad available for the trip to Villarreal with the exception of defender Ferland Mendy, who could miss four weeks with a hamstring problem.
Fran Garcia is expected to deputise while 39-year-old Luka Modric is likely to be rested. That could mean Fede Valverde steps back into midfield with Lucas Vazquez playing at right-back.
Villarreal have reported no new injury concerns but Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach remain sidelined.
Villarreal: Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, S Cardona; Pino, Gueye, Parejo, Baena; Pepe, Perez
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
The match kicks off at 5.30pm UK time. You can watch it on Premier Sports 1.
It can be streamed on LALIGATV and you can also watch it on the bet365 website.
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2025-03-14 13:52:13
