Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso handed massive blow by La Liga ahead of opener against Osasuna

Real Madrid CF v CF Pachuca: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed that Real Madrid's request to postpone their opener against Osasuna on August 19 has been turned down.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid and Alonso have been handed a huge setback by La Liga president Tebas, who has confirmed that the club's request to delay their opening league fixture against Osasuna on August 19 has been officially declined. Madrid were hoping for some leeway after reaching the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, but it seems their requests will not be heard this time.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cadena SER reported earlier this week that Tebas denied a deal to delay La Liga's 2025–26 start, despite Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) and clubs claiming agreement. According to The Athletic, Madrid and Atletico, along with captains Dani Carvajal and Koke, agreed with La Liga, Spanish football federation (RFEF), and AFE in May to postpone their 2025–26 openers if they reached the Club World Cup quarter-finals, citing player welfare. Madrid were alive in the competition until July 9, when they lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final, while Los Colchoneros were knocked out at the group stage.

WHAT JAVIER TEBAS SAID

“I believe that they will have 20 days to rest instead of 21 and no other leagues like the Premier League for Chelsea or the French Ligue 1 for PSG are changing the games,” Tebas said. "So I don’t believe that we should change the calendar for that reason, especially thinking that it’s a matter of one day.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

It appears that Madrid's La Liga opener will proceed as planned, to be played on August 19 against Osasuna. Alonso has his work cut out after a humiliating 4-0 defeat against PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final. It has been reported that the manager is set to hold talks with forwards Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe ahead of next season, with other reports from Spain suggesting that the Real Madrid board will fully back Alonso's sporting decisions, should he find that some of the big names are not buying into his ideas.