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'Last time': Ancelotti adamant Real Madrid will not play without 72 hours rest

Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Villarreal
Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and VillarrealJose Breton / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Saturday his team will not play another football game after fewer than 72 hours of rest.

Los Blancos beat Atletico on Wednesday night in the Champions League on penalties and then earned a 2-1 win at Villarreal on Saturday, with the game kicking off at 16:30 GMT.

"I think today is the last time we will play a game before 72 hours (of rest)," Ancelotti told reporters.

"We will never play another game (without) 72 hours of rest.

"We asked La Liga twice to change the time of the game and they did not do anything, this is the last time."

World football governing body FIFA recommends at least 72 hours between matches in order to protect the health of the players.

"I am very proud of this team," continued Ancelotti.

"It was a potential banana skin, above all for what has happened, the (few) hours of rest, and the strength of the opponent."

French striker Kylian Mbappe struck twice for Madrid to take them top of La Liga ahead of Barcelona's game at Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Ancelotti has regularly complained about the packed football calendar, with Madrid one of the clubs who will also be involved at the expanded Club World Cup this summer in the United States.