Santi Cazorla Critiques Repetitive Match Scheduling in LaLiga

omidbasir- Santi Cazorla typically approaches life with a gentle demeanor and a perpetual smile, yet there are days when even the captain of Oviedo finds it challenging to maintain his good spirits. The recent LaLiga schedule has proven to be the final straw: the match against Athletic at the Tartiere, part of the 24th round, is set to be played on Sunday, February 15th, at 14:00. Once again. The midfielder did not hold back his thoughts and used sarcasm on social media when he shared an image of the match timings, stating pointedly, “Is it a joke to always play at 14:00, @LaLiga?”

Cazorla’s concerns are well-grounded. The statistics are telling. Since the season began, Oviedo has played ten home matches on weekends. The outcome? Almost all have taken place under the midday sun. Only two exceptions exist: a visit from Real Madrid on a Sunday at 21:30 and a match against Real Sociedad on a Saturday at 18:30. The remainder, all at 14:00, a time slot that is less appealing for drawing crowds.

The story continues. The upcoming league match will also occur during the lunchtime hour: a Saturday at 14:00 against Girona. The same pattern will persist in Vallecas, where the team will again play on Saturday, February 7th, at the same time.

No one within the club has publicly raised concerns regarding this repetitive scheduling. The only mention came during the recent general shareholders’ meeting, where the chairman, Martín Peláez, made it clear that Oviedo does not receive any additional revenue for competing at such an unfavorable time for its supporters.

Cazorla may have expressed his frustrations in jest, but the underlying message is serious. In Oviedo, the consistent scheduling at the same hour has lost its charm.