Why Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid’s La Liga fixtures have been postponed

 

An explanation for the late postponement of the planned fixtures of Spanish giants Real and Atletico Madrid this weekend has been provided.

La Liga take action

The two heavyweights of Madrid were due to get their respective league campaigns back underway later today.

On the back of the international break coming to a close, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real were primed to welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu, whilst Diego Simeone and co. made the trip to Granada.

In turn, many were no doubt left surprised upon discovering over the last 24 hours that, in fact, both scheduled outings – amid the thick of the La Liga title race – had been called off.

Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone looks on before the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) football match between Cultural and Deportiva Leonesa and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Reino de Leon stadium in Leon, on January 23, 2020. (Photo by CESAR MANSO / AFP) (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

As outlined above, though, an explanation for the surprise decision has since been forthcoming online.

As per an official announcement on the part of CSD president Jose Manuel Franco Pardo , cited by Spanish outlet AS:

‘In light of previous considerations, and using the attributes which are legally conferred on me I have resolved to grant the injunction requested by [La Liga president] Javier Tebas Medrano Lopez, representing the National Professional Football League (La Liga).’

The request in question came on the part of both Real and Atletico, who asked that their latest round of fixtures be pushed back, owing to the late return of a host of key players from this week’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

Not only that, but both capital outfits are also due to line out in the Champions League in just two days’ time.

Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao has been postponed this weekend, as has the meeting of Granada and Atlético Madrid. https://t.co/ZrZtUC6zFm pic.twitter.com/1yBkYxAtgv

— AS English (@English_AS) October 16, 2021

Los Che test

Returning to those who will be taking to the pitch in the Spanish top-flight on Sunday, the most high-profile fixture undoubtedly comes in the form of Barcelona’s showdown with Valencia.

The struggling Blaugrana head into the Camp Nou clash eyeing a long overdue return to form, on the back of just a solitary win in their last six across all competitions.

You can check out how Ronald Koeman’s men get on here:

Barcelona vs Valencia live streaming: Watch La Liga online