Carlo Ancelotti is Very Angry After the 2-1 Win at Villarreal: “It’s the Last Time…”

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Matchday 28 of La Liga, a win that temporarily places them at the top of the table. However, despite the triumph, Carlo Ancelotti was visibly furious after the match, directing his anger towards La Liga officials over the tight scheduling of fixtures.

The match at Estadio de la Cerámica was anything but easy for Los Blancos. Facing a well-rested Villarreal side that had an entire week to prepare, Real Madrid struggled with fatigue, having played a grueling Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid just 66 hours prior. Nevertheless, the team dug deep and managed to grind out three crucial points, keeping their title hopes alive.

Ahead of the fixture, Real Madrid had already expressed their frustration with La Liga president Javier Tebas over what they deemed an unfair scheduling arrangement. FIFA regulations stipulate that clubs should have a minimum rest period of 72 hours between matches, yet La Liga ignored this guideline. The decision could have cost Real Madrid dearly, as fatigue visibly affected key players.

Ancelotti did not hold back in his post-match press conference. The 65-year-old Italian coach made it clear that Real Madrid will no longer tolerate such treatment, issuing a stern ultimatum to La Liga. “We requested twice that the match schedule be changed, and they refused. This is the last time we play under these conditions. If this happens again, we simply won’t play,” Ancelotti warned.

His frustration is justified, given the clear disparity in fixture scheduling. While Real Madrid was forced into a tight turnaround, both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were given more favorable schedules. Barcelona, having played on Tuesday, had a full five days to rest before their Sunday evening match, while Atletico Madrid enjoyed four days of recovery before their clash against the Catalans.

The effects of the congested fixture list were evident on the pitch. Several Real Madrid players collapsed in exhaustion at the final whistle, including Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fran García. The sight of players sprawled on the turf underlined the immense physical toll of playing high-intensity matches with inadequate rest.

With an international break looming, Ancelotti also expressed concern over his squad’s workload. “Ninety-five percent of our squad will leave for international duty, and they are already exhausted. This team has something special, and I have to thank my players for their immense efforts today and throughout the season,” he said.

The victory was significant for another reason: it marked Real Madrid’s first win at Villarreal in seven years. In their last eight visits, they had suffered two defeats and recorded six draws. Breaking the curse at Estadio de la Cerámica was a testament to the squad’s resilience and determination.

Despite the frustration with La Liga, the win keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race. With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid still to play, the standings could shift once again, but Ancelotti’s men have done their part for now.

This situation also raises broader concerns about player welfare in elite football. La Liga’s scheduling practices have often been criticized, but this latest controversy could force the league to reconsider how it manages fixtures for teams competing on multiple fronts.

Real Madrid fans have also voiced their displeasure, with many taking to social media to support Ancelotti’s stance. Calls for fairness in scheduling have intensified, and pressure is mounting on La Liga officials to provide a more balanced playing field.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether La Liga will address these complaints or continue to prioritize television rights and commercial interests over player well-being. Ancelotti’s defiance suggests that Real Madrid will not back down on this issue anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid must now turn their focus to upcoming challenges. With key players likely to feature heavily in international matches, Ancelotti will be hoping his squad returns unscathed and ready for the final stretch of the campaign.

The battle for La Liga supremacy is far from over, and Real Madrid’s determination to fight through adversity could be the defining factor in their title pursuit. Ancelotti’s outburst may have been fueled by frustration, but it also underscores the passion and commitment he has for his players.

Ultimately, Real Madrid’s stance against unfair scheduling is not just about this one game—it’s about setting a precedent for the future. Whether La Liga heeds their warning remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ancelotti and his team will no longer tolerate being placed at a disadvantage.

As the dust settles on this controversial fixture, one question lingers—will La Liga take action, or will this battle between Real Madrid and the league’s governing body escalate even further?