Real Madrid will never play with under 72 hours rest again: Ancelotti

The National Times - Real Madrid will never play with under 72 hours rest again: Ancelotti

Weather - Sydney 23°C

Real Madrid will never play with under 72 hours rest again: Ancelotti

SPORTS 15.03.2025

Real Madrid will never play with under 72 hours rest again: Ancelotti / Photo: © AFP

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Saturday his team will not play another football game after fewer than 72 hours of rest.

Change text size:

Los Blancos beat Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night in the Champions League on penalties and then earned a 2-1 win at Villarreal on Saturday, with the game kicking off at 1630 GMT.

"I think today is the last time we will play a game before 72 hours (of rest)," Ancelotti told reporters.

"We will never play another game (without) 72 hours of rest.

"We asked La Liga twice to change the time of the game and they did not do anything, this is the last time."

World football governing body FIFA recommends at least 72 hours between matches in order to protect the health of the players.

French striker Kylian Mbappe struck twice for Madrid against Villarreal to take them top of La Liga ahead of Barcelona's game at Atletico on Sunday.

"I am very proud of this team," continued Ancelotti.

"It was a potential banana skin, above all for what has happened, the (few) hours of rest, and the strength of the opponent."

Ancelotti has regularly complained about the packed football calendar, with Madrid one of the clubs who will also be involved at the expanded Club World Cup this summer in the United States.

"Everyone saw the game against Atletico, 120 minutes, a very intense match, it's hard to play after two days... but we have to respect the club badge and fight until the end, and we did that today and we were able to win," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the scheduling of the game was disrespectful to Madrid.

"We don't want to look for excuses, I'm happy to say we did not lose or draw because of the tiredness, but it's not normal playing (at this time) today," said Courtois.

"I know La Liga don't like to put (the three biggest teams) on the same day, but sometimes it's what you have to do... it was a lack of respect to the team and our players, because we could have left here with someone injured.

"Tomorrow is Atletico against Barca and that's not a problem, it could be a 'Super Sunday' with Madrid playing first."

P.Sinclair--TNT

Featured

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: