Real Madrid, one of the most famous soccer teams in the world, will begin their new LaLiga season on August 19—right on schedule. Even though they tried to delay their first match against Osasuna, Spain’s soccer leaders said “no” to their request. That means fans will see Real Madrid back in action at their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium just as planned.
Let’s break down what happened and why it matters.
Why Did Real Madrid Want a Delay?
Real Madrid asked for a later start to their season because they were busy this summer. They went all the way to the United States to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, a special tournament where top clubs from different continents face off. Real Madrid made it to the semi-finals, but they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a strong team from France, on July 9th.
Because of that long trip and tough match schedule, Real Madrid said their players needed more time to rest and prepare for the new season. After all, playing top-level soccer takes a lot of energy and focus.
But Spain’s soccer federation, called the RFEF (Real Federación Española de Fútbol), said that Real Madrid has to play on August 19—just like everyone else.
What Did the Soccer Officials Say?
An official from the RFEF made the final decision. This person is known as the “sole judge” for competition matters. That means they get to decide what’s fair when it comes to the league schedule.
The judge said that a game can only be delayed if there’s something really serious going on—something called a “force majeure.” That’s a fancy legal term for events that no one can control, like natural disasters or major emergencies.
But playing in the Club World Cup wasn’t considered serious enough to count as force majeure. The judge said Real Madrid’s situation, while understandable, didn’t meet the requirements to change the official LaLiga calendar.
Here’s what the judge was quoted as saying (in simple words):
“Real Madrid said Osasuna agreed to move the game, but there’s no official record showing that Osasuna actually responded to the request.”
So not only did the judge think the reason wasn’t strong enough, but there also wasn’t clear proof that both teams had agreed to the change.
What’s the Big Deal About This Game?
Real Madrid will play Osasuna in their first game of the 2025–26 LaLiga season. This will take place in Madrid, giving Real a home advantage. Home games are important in soccer because teams usually play better in front of their own fans.
Did you know?
In LaLiga history, Real Madrid has won 35 league titles, more than almost any other Spanish team.
Their stadium, Santiago Bernabéu, holds more than 80,000 fans!
Osasuna, while not as famous as Real Madrid, has a strong fan base and finished in the top half of the table last season.
So this match will be exciting—especially since Real Madrid fans are eager to see their team start the season strong.
Why Rest and Preseason Matter
Real Madrid’s request wasn’t just about being tired. It was also about missing out on preseason training—the time before the season starts when players get back in shape, test new strategies, and play practice games.
Soccer players need both rest and preparation. Without proper rest, they can get injured. Without practice, even the best teams might not perform well. This is especially true for a team like Real Madrid, where the expectations are always sky-high.
Some fans agree with the judge’s decision because they want fairness—every team should follow the same rules. Others believe Real should have gotten more time, especially after representing Europe in an international tournament.
What Is the FIFA Club World Cup?
Since Real Madrid’s summer trip to the U.S. was such a big deal, let’s explain the FIFA Club World Cup.
Every year, the top clubs from each continent’s main tournament go head-to-head.
Europe sends the Champions League winner.
South America sends the Copa Libertadores winner.
There are also champions from Africa, Asia, North America, and Oceania.
This year, Real Madrid represented Europe, but they were knocked out in the semi-final by PSG. Still, just being invited is a big honor. Real Madrid has actually won the Club World Cup 5 times, more than any other team!
The tournament is growing in importance, and FIFA has big plans to expand it to include 32 clubs in the future. That means more games, more travel, and more chances to win—but also more fatigue for the players.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Now that the decision is final, Real Madrid must focus on their opening match. Their coach will have to decide whether to rest key players or go all-out from the start. Fans are especially excited to see new signings, if any, and how the team bounces back after their U.S. tour.
Some questions Real Madrid fans might be asking:
Will the team be ready physically and mentally?
Will Osasuna take advantage of Real Madrid’s short break?
Can Real start the season with a win and show they’re still title favorites?
A Fun Fact About LaLiga
LaLiga is Spain’s top soccer league. It has 20 teams, and each team plays 38 matches in a season—once at home and once away against every other team. Teams earn:
3 points for a win
1 point for a draw
0 points for a loss
The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. The bottom three teams are relegated to the second division.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two biggest clubs, and their rivalry is known as El Clásico—one of the most-watched sports events in the world.
In Summary
Real Madrid asked to delay their first game of the new LaLiga season to get more rest after playing in the Club World Cup. But Spain’s soccer leaders said no. They ruled that the request didn’t meet the rules for moving a game and that it would be unfair to change the official calendar without a very serious reason.
So now, Real Madrid will play Osasuna on August 19 as originally planned. Get ready for the return of LaLiga—it’s going to be an exciting season!
