Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has spoken out about the controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s opening match of the season, initially scheduled for 19 August against Osasuna at the Santiago

Xabi Alonso’s side made it to the semifinals of the Club World Cup, suffering a 4–0 evisceration at the hands of PSG on July 9. Players operating in Spain are entitled to three consecutive weeks of holiday between seasons, leaving Madrid with just 18 days before they host Osasuna.

Real Madrid are scheduled to kick off their first La Liga campaign under Xabi Alonso less than six weeks after the conclusion of the Club World Cup.