‘This Is the Last Time’ – Ancelotti Blasts La Liga Over Scheduling

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has declared that his team will not take the pitch again without at least 72 hours of rest between matches, following a demanding schedule this week.

Los Blancos edged Atletico Madrid on penalties in the Champions League on Wednesday night, then secured a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, with kickoff at 16:30 GMT — less than 72 hours later.

“Today is the last time we’ll play a match with less than 72 hours of rest,” Ancelotti told reporters post-match. “We requested a change in the fixture time from La Liga on two occasions, but nothing was done. This is the last time.”

FIFA recommends a minimum 72-hour recovery period between games to safeguard player health, a standard Ancelotti insists should be upheld.

“I’m extremely proud of my team,” he added. “This was a potential banana skin, especially given the short recovery time and the quality of our opponent.”

Kylian Mbappe was the difference-maker for Real Madrid, scoring twice to send his side top of La Liga ahead of Barcelona’s Sunday clash with Atletico Madrid.

Ancelotti has been vocal about the congested football calendar and has previously criticized the demands placed on players. Real Madrid are also set to participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States, further adding to their workload.