90min

Real Madrid Complain to La Liga About Unfavourable Fixture Scheduling

By James Cormack

Real Madrid are not happy with their fixture list
Real Madrid are not happy with their fixture list / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
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Real Madrid have complained to La Liga regarding the scheduling of their fixtures on matchdays 33 and 34 after the division announced more upcoming fixture times on Monday.

The title race in Spain took a fresh twist over the weekend as Los Blancos capitalised on Barcelona's slip-up at Sevilla by beating Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday night to regain their advantage at the summit on goal difference.

Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad in rather controversial fashion on Sunday night
Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad in rather controversial fashion on Sunday night / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

However, the Madrid giants feel they've been put at a significant disadvantage compared to La Blaugrana in regards to fixture scheduling for upcoming encounters.

Marca reports Los Blancos are particularly unhappy about the mere 72-hour break between their encounters with Getafe and Athletic Bilbao on matchdays 33 and 34. Barcelona, meanwhile, will enjoy a five-day break between these two matchdays.

Thus, Real have launched a formal complaint in relation to this issue, with the club's hierarchy reportedly thinking the publication of the matchday 33 and 34 schedules was some sort of joke.

They just couldn't believe they would be forced to play against Athletic at 13:00 on Sunday afternoon after finishing their clash with Getafe at around 23:00 on Thursday night. All while their title rivals face Villarreal at 21:00 on Sunday night following their crunch encounter with Atletico at the same time on Tuesday.

Zinedine Zidane's squad will be tested physically over matchdays 33 and 34 as a result of harsh scheduling
Zinedine Zidane's squad will be tested physically over matchdays 33 and 34 as a result of harsh scheduling / Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Los Blancos only had a three-day break between their last two previous encounters, but the later kick-off in Sociedad on Sunday night gave Zinedine Zidane's side a little more respite after their 3-0 victory over Valencia.

Nevertheless, Zidane will be thrilled at how his side have returned to competitive action; winning all three of their games.

Their favourable fixture list - in terms of opponents - and superior squad depth compared to Barcelona arguably leaves them as favourites to regain the La Liga title next month.