Tebas rejects Real Madrid’s request to postpone LaLiga opener

LaLiga president Javier Tebas firmly rejected Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’s request to postpone the 2025-26 season opener — a decision made in conjunction with the Spanish Football Federation.

Real Madrid, recently eliminated from the Club World Cup after a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, will have a 41-day break before facing Osasuna in their LaLiga opener — a rest period Tebas considers sufficient.

“I believe they will have 20 days to rest instead of 21, and no other leagues like the Premier League for Chelsea or French Ligue 1 for PSG are changing their games,” stated Tebas.

Courtois strongly criticized the decision:

“It’s always the same for LaLiga. To listen to those comments from a president is something I haven’t seen in Italy, England, NBA, or NFL. Players’ health is on the line here.”

Real Madrid has played 68 competitive matches since last season — including 38 LaLiga games, 14 Champions League matches, and various other competitions demonstrating the team’s packed schedule.