MADRID, SPAIN — Real Madrid’s appeal to reschedule their upcoming LaLiga fixture against Deportivo Alavés has been turned down by league authorities, despite the club’s bid to gain extra preparation time for their decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal.
Los Blancos had requested that their home match against Alavés, originally set for Sunday, April 13, be moved forward to Saturday. The rationale was to allow the team more time to recover and train ahead of their Champions League showdown with the Gunners, scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid face a massive task midweek, needing to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit after a humbling defeat at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Carlo Ancelotti and the club’s board hoped that an additional 24 hours of rest could provide the edge needed to mount what would be a historic comeback.
However, their plea has been denied.
LaLiga Says No — Despite Alavés Agreement
According to Spanish radio outlet Cadena SER, Real Madrid formally contacted LaLiga via email, outlining the reasons for their request. The club emphasized the importance of adequate recovery and preparation for both domestic and European commitments.
“Moving the match against Deportivo Alavés to Saturday, April 12 would allow us more time to adequately prepare for both that match and the decisive match on Wednesday, April 16 at the Santiago Bernabéu,” the letter reportedly stated.
In a display of sportsmanship, Alavés were open to the adjustment and had already agreed in principle to the change. However, LaLiga declined the request, insisting the match remain on Sunday as originally scheduled.
While the league did not officially disclose its reasoning, it is widely believed that logistical constraints tied to broadcast rights, scheduling commitments, and matchday operations played a key role in the decision.
Real Madrid’s Grueling Schedule
Real Madrid’s frustrations reflect the growing tension top clubs face when balancing domestic and European fixtures. With the LaLiga title race still active and the Champions League offering both prestige and financial incentives, timing can be everything.
Ancelotti’s side has had little margin for error in recent weeks, with a packed calendar seeing the squad play high-stakes matches every few days. The club has rotated heavily to preserve the fitness of key players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Toni Kroos.
Now, with a vital European night looming, the lack of an extra recovery day could impact Madrid’s tactical preparation and physical readiness — particularly against an energetic and organized Arsenal side managed by Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal Receive More Favourable Schedule
While Madrid must play Alavés on Sunday, Arsenal will enjoy a more accommodating lead-up to the return leg. The Gunners are scheduled to host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, April 12 — giving them an additional day of rest and training before their trip to the Spanish capital.
Arteta has already hinted at squad rotation for the Brentford match, with Arsenal currently neck-and-neck with Manchester City in the English title race. Despite the temptation to prioritize Europe, the Spaniard is expected to field a competitive lineup while managing minutes for key players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Madrid’s frustration is amplified by this contrast, as the scheduling discrepancy hands Arsenal a perceived advantage in terms of rest and preparation.
No Special Treatment — LaLiga’s Firm Stance
LaLiga’s refusal to accommodate Madrid may also be part of a broader approach to ensuring fairness and consistency in fixture management. The league has previously faced criticism for perceived favoritism toward top clubs, and its leadership under Javier Tebas has made transparency a key priority.
However, critics argue that Spanish clubs need more support from domestic organizers if they are to compete with Premier League giants in European competitions. English clubs have historically benefited from flexible scheduling, allowing them to prioritize Champions League and Europa League fixtures when needed.
With LaLiga seeking to rebuild its European reputation following the recent struggles of several top Spanish clubs, some believe that denying Real Madrid’s request is a missed opportunity to back its most prominent ambassador on the continental stage.
Focus Shifts to the Bernabéu
With the match against Alavés now confirmed for Sunday, Ancelotti must make tough decisions on squad rotation. While securing three points in the league remains essential — especially with Barcelona and Girona still in striking distance — Wednesday’s Champions League clash will undoubtedly be the primary focus.
Ancelotti may opt to rest several first-team regulars or limit their minutes, banking on squad depth to navigate the Alavés encounter. Fringe players such as Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, and Dani Ceballos could be handed rare starts.
Real Madrid fans will be hopeful that whatever lineup takes the pitch on Sunday can deliver a result without draining energy from the squad’s midweek ambitions.
A Must-Win European Night Awaits
The looming clash against Arsenal at the Bernabéu is one of the most important matches of Madrid’s season. With a 3-0 deficit to overcome, the Spanish giants must summon the kind of magic that has defined their Champions League legacy for decades.
Having won the competition a record 14 times, Madrid is no stranger to miracle comebacks on European nights. However, against a disciplined and tactically astute Arsenal side, the challenge will be immense.
Whether or not the denied scheduling request plays a decisive role remains to be seen. But for now, Real Madrid must regroup, deliver a strong domestic performance, and hope the atmosphere at the Bernabéu inspires another famous European turnaround.
