Connect with us

Football

La Liga’s response to Real Madrid’s special request ahead of Arsenal game revealed

Published

on

Real Madrid recently appealed to La Liga to reschedule their upcoming fixture against Alaves in a bid to gain additional recovery time ahead of their critical Champions League clash with Arsenal.

The reigning European champions are currently set to face Alaves on Sunday, which leaves them just three days to regroup and prepare for the second leg of their quarter-final encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Their request, submitted shortly after La Liga’s official schedule was published on March 20, aimed to bring the match forward by 24 hours to Saturday, April 12.

In an official email, Real Madrid emphasized the strategic importance of this adjustment, noting the tight window between their two Champions League matches against Arsenal—played on April 8 in London and April 16 in Madrid.

The club argued that moving the domestic fixture would allow for more adequate preparation and potentially aid their efforts in overturning a 3-0 deficit following a rough night at the Emirates.

Although Real Madrid approached Deportivo Alaves beforehand and received their agreement to the change, La Liga denied the request, keeping the fixture in its original Sunday slot.

This decision comes at a time when Carlo Ancelotti’s side is grappling with injuries and fatigue, further complicating their chances of another legendary European comeback.

The Bernabéu faithful will be hoping the squad, possibly with Dani Ceballos back in the lineup, can summon the kind of performance that has defined their European legacy in recent years.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are riding high after their emphatic first-leg victory and are set to host Brentford in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta, when asked about the mood in the squad, described the atmosphere as electric, calling the night “very special.” Despite the euphoric aftermath of that win, the focus has quickly shifted to the challenge ahead.

Arteta stressed the importance of keeping the momentum alive while acknowledging Brentford’s remarkable rise and the consistent level of football they’ve demonstrated this season.

The Arsenal manager praised the opposition’s structure, work ethic, and belief, noting it would be a stern test for his side.

Though Arteta granted his players just one day off to recover, he emphasized how crucial it is to maintain the emotional and physical energy generated by their Champions League performance. Arsenal’s depth may see key players like Bukayo Saka rested ahead of their decisive trip to Madrid.

As both teams prepare for the next chapter in this gripping tie, the contrast in domestic fixture management has drawn fresh attention to the challenges top clubs face when balancing intense European and league campaigns.

Real Madrid’s denied request has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike about fairness, fixture congestion, and player welfare in elite football.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

Published

on

By

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

Continue Reading

Football

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

Published

on

By

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

Continue Reading

Football

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Published

on

By

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App