In the final stretch of a grueling season, Real Madrid finds itself at a crossroads — chasing domestic glory in La Liga while attempting to claw back a three-goal deficit against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. Yet, as they brace for what could define their entire campaign, one key detail has irked the club behind closed doors.
Despite being just four points behind Barcelona in the Spanish league and desperately needing time to regroup for the second leg of their European clash, La Liga officials have replied to a special request from the Madrid-based giants, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.
Surprise appeal to La Liga
Just days after a crushing loss in Europe, Real Madrid reached out to the league in an attempt to adjust their upcoming fixture. At first, the request remained under wraps, with whispers suggesting the club was seeking help to relieve pressure ahead of a critical week. But as sources began to emerge, the mystery unraveled.
The club’s request was simple: move their match against Deportivo Alaves forward by 24 hours. As originally scheduled, the game was set for Sunday, April 14, giving Madrid just over 72 hours before their decisive second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 17 at the Santiago Bernabeu. In comparison, the Premier League side would play its domestic fixture a full day earlier, enjoying extra rest as they prepare to defend their commanding first-leg advantage.
The email sent to La Liga, obtained by Cadena SER, read: “As you well know, this match is strategically located between the two matches we will play against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, on Tuesday, April 8 in London and Wednesday, April 16 in Madrid.”
“Moving the match against Deportivo Alaves 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 Bernabeu. We are convinced that our request is entirely reasonable and we trust that it can be met.”
Alaves agree, but La Liga says otherwise
In a surprising show of sportsmanship, Alaves agreed to the proposed change, according to the report. The two clubs had reached mutual understanding, with the Blue and Whites willing to adjust their plans for the benefit of their heavyweight opponents. But in a decision that has left Los Blancos “uncomfortable,” La Liga rejected the proposal, citing the late timing of the request and potential disruption to fans and broadcasters.
“The request came after the official schedule had already been published on March 20. Changing it at this stage would create logistical and financial complications for supporters who had made travel plans,” La Liga stated internally, as per Diario AS.
Adding salt to Madrid’s wounds is the fact that Arsenal will take to the pitch a day earlier, playing their Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday, April 13. The Gunners, who hold a commanding 3-0 lead after goals from Declan Rice (twice) and Mikel Merino at the Emirates, are expected to rotate their squad with their European ambitions in mind.
