Real Madrid have reportedly submitted a formal proposal to LaLiga, asking them to postpone their opening game against Osasuna.
Los Blancos, who are currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, begin their LaLiga campaign on August 19.
Why Real Madrid Want LaLiga to Postpone Their 2025/26 Season Opener
After failing to win a trophy last season, Real Madrid have diverted all their attention to winning the Club World Cup. President Florentino Perez has even announced a massive winning bonus for Real Madrid players. Their dedication has paid dividends, with them effortlessly securing a place in the semi-finals.
In the previous two rounds, Los Merengues have beaten Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. They will face reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 9.
Kylian Mbappe was initially a doubt for the tournament after he was hospitalised with gastroenteritis. He has since recovered and should be ready to face his former club.
🚨 Real Madrid vs. PSG! pic.twitter.com/Paji4oehnI
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 5, 2025
After Real Madrid qualified for the quarter-finals, the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) wrote to LaLiga, asking them to postpone the clash against Osasuna.
AFE insisted that LaLiga should push the game back to give players at least 30 days of rest, with 21 consecutive off-days. They believe it is an absolute necessity on the back of such a demanding summer.
They told authorities (via Madrid Universal):
“Just through mutual understanding, La Liga should postpone the match and stop prioritising industry over the health of the players.
🚨 Real Madrid will ask La Liga to postpone their first league match against Osasuna due to lack of rest. If the game is played on August 19, Real Madrid will have only 2 weeks of preseason.
— @miguelitocope pic.twitter.com/vSETHUMQZC
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 7, 2025
“This hurts Real Madrid, a club that is part of the league. They can start later because they are Spain’s main representatives, and it’s the players who give value to the clubs.”
AFE has requested LaLiga to push Real Madrid’s opening match to August 27.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has yet to accept AFE’s suggestion. However, he could be forced to reconsider after Real Madrid submitted their written proposal.
Real Madrid Propose New Date for Osasuna Clash
According to Anton Meana on Carrusel, Real Madrid sent a letter to LaLiga on Monday, July 7, formally asking them to reschedule their season opener. In the letter, Madrid have informed LaLiga that they have cleared the postponement with Osasuna as well as the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
🔥🔝 ¡@Gonzalo7Garcia_, pichichi del Mundial de Clubes! pic.twitter.com/zD9q0gC3GT
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 7, 2025
After a fruitful meeting, the three parties have agreed to hold the match on October 29, three days after their match against Barcelona. Javier Tebas has been reluctant to accept the postponement, but he does not have a solid reason for rejecting it. Since Osasuna and RFEF are both on board, the postponement seems to be a matter of time.
While this bodes well for Xabi Alonso and his players, fans are likely to feel disappointed with this one-week delay.
