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.

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

Madrid's 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final meant they have 40 days to rest and prepare for their La Liga opener.