Ancelotti angry after victory over Villarreal: “We will not play again soon”

Carlo Ancelotti was visibly frustrated despite Real Madrid’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Villarreal. The veteran Italian coach launched a scathing attack on LaLiga’s scheduling policies, vowing that his team would never again play under such strenuous conditions. The Madrid boss condemned the relentless match calendar, which saw his squad play two crucial fixtures within just 66 hours—violating FIFA’s recommended 72-hour recovery period.

“We asked LaLiga twice to change the schedule of the match. But nothing. This is the last time we play without 72 hours of rest. We won’t play if this happens again,” Ancelotti declared in his post-match press conference, making it clear that Real Madrid would not tolerate being subjected to such scheduling in the future.

The conflict between Real Madrid and LaLiga over fixture congestion has been ongoing for years, but this latest episode has escalated tensions. The frustration stems from what many at the club perceive as unfair treatment, especially when direct title rivals such as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are granted more favorable scheduling. While Real Madrid were forced to endure a grueling turnaround between matches, their competitors had several extra days of rest, a disparity that Ancelotti views as blatant injustice.

Despite their exhaustion, Los Blancos showcased their resilience at Estadio de la Cerámica, with key players pushing themselves beyond their limits. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fran García were among those who collapsed to the turf after the final whistle, completely drained from their efforts. The players’ struggle epitomized the price they had to pay to secure the three points, making Ancelotti’s words all the more significant.

“This team has something special,” Ancelotti praised. “I must thank the players for their enormous efforts this year and today. They gave everything despite the circumstances, and that speaks volumes about their commitment and character.”

The Italian tactician’s anger is not without merit. FIFA regulations clearly state that clubs must be granted at least 72 hours of rest between competitive matches to prevent excessive fatigue and reduce the risk of injuries. However, LaLiga’s refusal to adhere to these guidelines has left Real Madrid feeling abandoned. The club had formally requested an adjustment to their fixture schedule, only to see their pleas ignored by league officials.

Ancelotti’s defiance raises questions about how far Real Madrid are willing to go in their protest. If LaLiga continues to disregard their demands, could the club actually refuse to take the field as a form of rebellion? Such an unprecedented move would create a crisis within Spanish football and force league president Javier Tebas into a difficult position.

Beyond the controversy, Real Madrid’s victory over Villarreal carried significant historical weight. This marked their first triumph at Estadio de la Cerámica in seven years, finally putting an end to a frustrating winless streak that had spanned multiple seasons. The symbolic importance of the result was not lost on Ancelotti, but his focus remained on the bigger picture—fair treatment in the league.

“It’s not just about this game,” Ancelotti insisted. “It’s about respect for the players, the fans, and the integrity of the competition. If the rules say 72 hours of rest, then that should apply to everyone, not just some teams.”

His words underline a growing concern among elite clubs about player welfare. With the football calendar becoming increasingly congested due to international commitments, club competitions, and domestic cups, coaches like Ancelotti are left grappling with the physical and mental toll on their squads. Injuries have already plagued Real Madrid this season, and further fatigue-induced setbacks could derail their title charge.

Meanwhile, LaLiga’s response to Ancelotti’s strong stance remains to be seen. Will the league attempt to justify its scheduling, or will it finally acknowledge the legitimate concerns raised by one of its biggest clubs? The answer could have far-reaching implications not just for Real Madrid but for Spanish football as a whole.

Some believe Ancelotti’s outburst is a calculated move to put pressure on league authorities. If Real Madrid’s threat to boycott matches gains traction, LaLiga may have no choice but to reconsider its scheduling practices to avoid further controversy. However, others argue that the club will ultimately have to comply, as failing to take the pitch would result in disciplinary action and possible points deductions.

For now, Madridistas can take solace in the fact that their team continues to fight against adversity. The win over Villarreal may have been grueling, but it reaffirmed the squad’s determination to push forward no matter the obstacles. Ancelotti’s unwavering defense of his players only strengthens their unity, turning this battle into more than just a fixture dispute—it’s now a matter of principle.

As the dust settles, the focus will shift to whether LaLiga officials respond or simply dismiss the complaints. If no changes are made, the prospect of an all-out war between Real Madrid and the league looms large, with Ancelotti making it clear that he is prepared to take drastic measures to protect his squad.

The coming weeks will reveal whether LaLiga is willing to address the inequalities in fixture scheduling or if Real Madrid will be forced to take their protest to another level. One thing is certain: Ancelotti’s words were not empty threats, and if pushed to the brink, the club may be prepared to take unprecedented action.