Carlo Ancelotti struck the crowded football calendar with his side of Real Madrid against Villarreal tomorrow, less than 72 hours after Their exhausting victory of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening.
Madrid demanded sanctions to overcome their city rivals, although the subject of a large part of the emphasis was subsequently put on the controversial decision to reject the kick of Julian Alvarez after being tried for having touched the ball twice.
It was a long and emotional night and Ancelotti is frustrated that his players will have no more time to rest before another crunch match in the title race.
He said, “I don’t understand, but we can’t do anything. The minimum [gap] is 72 hours. I don’t understand … but it’s the calendar here.
“The right of the television is a priority, not the recovery of players.
“Since January, we have not stopped for a while, playing every three days. The game of tomorrow is the 21st or 22nd [this calendar year]. It’s too much. Even for me, who does not play.
“Prepare a game every three days … The players don’t have time to recover. But what can we do? The only possible thing is to stop but that cannot be done. “”
💨 @Bellinghamjude
💨 @David_alaba pic.twitter.com/wqlqrxy79o– Real Madrid Cf 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 14, 2025
The Italian admitted that the short execution time would probably affect their approach to the game.
“Tomorrow we will have to make an extraordinary effort,” he added. “We cannot have the necessary energy and freshness, because we do not have enough time for this. But we have to put a good attitude, play a smart game. There are many ways to win, defend well, for example. »»
This is another delicate test for a Madrid team that has not been at home at La Liga since January 25, losing in Espanyol and Real Betis and Drawing in Osasuna.
Villaral, fifth, will seek to revive their hope of finishing in a place of qualification in the Champions League after losing in Alaves last weekend.
Team news for Villarreal against Real Madrid
Ancelotti confirmed that Vinicius Jr had received an additional day of rest after his moderate performance against Atleti, which included a high and wide second half-time penalty.
The Brazilian international has received criticism for its display at the Metropolitano, but his trainer was quick to support one of his star men.
Ancelotti said: “He can play better or worse games, but he is indisputable. If sometimes it does not play well or fail … I do not chat with it. It was so important for this club that I cannot discuss it. »»
Madrid will have the same team available for the trip to Villarreal with the exception of the defender Ferland Mendy, who could miss four weeks with a problem with the hamstrings.
Fran Garcia should exceed while Luka Modric, 39, should be rested. This could mean that Fede Valverde is backing up in the midfielder with Lucas Vazquez playing at the right back.
Villarreal has not pointed out any new concern for injuries, but Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach remain away.
Villarreal: Condé; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, S Cardona; Pino, Gueye, Parejo, Baena; Pepe, perez
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, tchouameni, bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
The match starts at 5.30 p.m. time in the United Kingdom. You can watch it on first sports 1.
It can be broadcast on Laligatv and you can also look at it on the BET365 website.
18+. Geo-restaurants apply, must have a funded account or place a bet in the past 24 hours. Look at your favorite sports on the mobile, the tablet and the office. Available only for eligible customers. Live streaming rules apply. BegambleaWare. Registration required.
