Real Madrid's appeal to delay their 2025–26 La Liga opener against Osasuna has been rejected by the Sole Competition Judge. The league match will proceed as planned on Tuesday, August 19 at 9:00 p.m. at the Santiago Bernabéu.
🚨 Real Madrid are angry and will appeal the decision to postpone their first La Liga match against Osasuna. @COPE pic.twitter.com/Q0z14ngRDK
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 31, 2025
No “Force Majeure,” Says Judge
The ruling argued that Real Madrid's 21-day uninterrupted rest period, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, had been respected. The judge saw no force majeure to justify a rescheduling.
Osasuna Agreed to Delay, But It Wasn’t Enough
Though both clubs agreed to offer Real Madrid more time for preseason recovery following their Club World Cup campaign, the judge’s final word overruled the mutual understanding.
🚨 Osasuna’s GK Sergio Herrera: “Real Madrid asked to postpone the game? Our club and players support their decision. It’s the logical thing to do.”
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 31, 2025
“Anyone with a brain understands that Real Madrid don’t have enough time to be 100% ready for the match.” pic.twitter.com/NXRP9xeonZ
Madrid Outraged Over “Unfair” Treatment
According to El Partidazo de COPE, Madrid officials and players are furious, stating: “They’ll have 15 days, while the rest have three weeks.”
Club captains also claim that LaLiga and the AFE promised in May that the opening match would be postponed if Madrid reached the Club World Cup semifinals, which they did.
Real Madrid is backing its appeal by citing FIFA recommendations, which suggest clubs should receive 3 to 5 weeks of preseason preparation, a guideline they argue is not being respected in their case.
Madrid to File Immediate Appeal
The club plans to formally appeal to the National Appellate Committee, with 48 hours to submit the request. Real Madrid is reportedly prepared to escalate the case if necessary to ensure the health and fairness of their preseason schedule.
