Real Madrid ask La Liga to delay opening game of the season due to Club World Cup after already reaching agreement with Osasuna

Madrid have formally asked La Liga to postpone their opening fixture of the 2025-26 season against Osasuna, citing their Club World Cup participation. According to Carrusel Deportivo, in a letter sent to La Liga president Javier Tebas, the club proposed moving the game from August 19 to October 29, a date that coincides with the Copa del Rey’s first round, which neither Real Madrid nor Osasuna are involved in at that stage. The Madrid side claims both Osasuna and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are in agreement with the proposed change.

The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) has advocated for a minimum six-week period of combined rest and preseason for players participating in the Club World Cup. With Alonso's squad only just concluding a demanding summer schedule, being asked to play their La Liga opener on August 19 would breach this recommended timeframe. The club’s request, therefore, stems from broader concerns over player welfare and calendar congestion, especially following their run to the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain and possibly to the final.

Despite La Liga president Tebas’ reluctance to approve fixture changes, the fact that both Osasuna and the RFEF are reportedly on board may increase the pressure on the league to grant the postponement.

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In the letter sent to La Liga, Madrid reminded president Tebas that earlier conversations had left the door open to a possible postponement, should the situation demand it. Before the Club World Cup began, the club had held discussions with Atletico and La Liga about delaying their opening league fixture. At the time, Tebas acknowledged that the matter would be reviewed if necessary.

Now, Madrid argue that the scenario is no longer hypothetical and insists the proposed new date, October 29, should be accepted. The timing, however, presents a new challenge: the fixture would come just three days after the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona, and only days before a tough league encounter with Valencia. This scheduling would result in a particularly intense 10-day stretch for Xabi Alonso's men.

While both the players' union and Osasuna support the proposed postponement, La Liga maintains that it must adhere to the existing collective agreements and federation regulations. If Tebas rejects the request, Madrid, with the backing of the AFE, may escalate the issue, potentially triggering a broader dispute over player welfare and scheduling fairness ahead of the new season.