Real Madrid's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, issued a caution to La Liga regarding the physical toll on his players following their recent match against Villarreal, which took place just 72 hours after their UEFA Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid. Although Los Blancos secured a 2-1 victory on Saturday, highlighted by two goals from Kylian Mbappe, the aftermath revealed the players' fatigue. Both Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were visibly drained after playing the full 120 minutes against Atletico on Wednesday, followed by a complete 90 minutes in the comeback win over Villarreal.

Ancelotti defended his squad, asserting that they would no longer participate in matches with less than 72 hours of recovery time, as this practice imposes undue physical stress on the athletes.

"I believe today marks the last occasion we will play a match with less than 72 hours' rest. We will not engage in any games under such conditions," Ancelotti stated during a press conference.

"The team is fatigued, which was anticipated. This victory speaks volumes about our squad's depth and the resources at our disposal."

In their appeal to La Liga, Real Madrid is referencing a FIFA guideline established in 2023 that mandates a minimum rest period of 72 hours between matches.

Ancelotti disclosed that the club had reached out to La Liga regarding the scheduling issues and requested adjustments to the match timings, but they have yet to receive a response.

"We have requested La Liga to make changes on two occasions, but nothing has been done," he remarked.

‘We have to respect the club badge’: Mbappe

Mbappe expressed his concerns regarding the demanding schedule, yet he emphasized that the players hold a deep respect for the club's emblem, which inspires them to persevere until the final whistle.

"Everyone witnessed the match against Atletico, which lasted 120 minutes and was extremely intense. It is challenging to compete just two days later... However, we must honor the club's badge and strive until the end, and we accomplished that today, leading to our victory," Mbappe stated during an interview with Real Madrid TV.

In the meantime, Real Madrid's 2-1 victory has allowed them to regain the top position in the La Liga standings with 60 points. However, their rivals Barcelona trail closely behind, just three points adrift, with two fewer matches played. The Catalan team is set to face third-placed Atletico on Sunday.

"The key for us was to secure the win today; tomorrow, I will watch the match as a football enthusiast. The outcome is not my primary concern," Ancelotti remarked.

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