Osasuna Star Backs Real Madrid’s Request for Match Postponement

Real Madrid’s bid to delay their La Liga opener against Osasuna may have been rejected, but not everyone is against the idea — including someone from the opposing side.

Los Blancos are scheduled to kick off their 2025/26 La Liga campaign on August 19, just weeks after wrapping up their FIFA Club World Cup duties. Given the tight turnaround, the club formally requested a postponement, citing concerns over player welfare and insufficient recovery time.

That request, despite support from the Spanish Players’ Association (AFE), was dismissed by La Liga and the Sole Judge of the Competitions Committee.

But Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera has now publicly shown support for Madrid’s case.

“The AFE informed us and we were willing to help Real Madrid,” Herrera told El Larguero on Cadena SER. “Our first intention was to help and postpone the match. It seemed like the logical thing to do, but now all we have to do is play.”

Herrera emphasized the physical strain the Club World Cup imposes and stressed that it’s not just a showcase event — it’s a high-stakes competition that reflects well on Spanish football globally.

“Beyond teams, I think about my fellow players. If that were my case, I’d like Real Madrid to understand,” he added.

Despite the initial rejection, Real Madrid are expected to appeal in hopes of getting the game pushed to a later date. Whether La Liga will soften its stance remains to be seen.

For now, the match is still set for Pamplona on August 19 — just 35 days after Madrid’s final game in the United States. And even Osasuna’s own goalkeeper admits: that’s asking a lot.