Furious statement released as opening day clash postponed at the last minute

Celta Vigo’s LaLiga season opener against Osasuna has been postponed due to a ‘disease’ affecting their pitch.

Celta were due to host Osasuna at the Estadio de Balaidos on Sunday evening, but the match has been rescheduled to August 27.

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“La Liga agreed this morning, in coordination with the clubs and the RFEF, to postpone the match that was scheduled to face Celta and CA Osasuna this coming Sunday at Abanca Balaidos due to a disease that has affected the stadium’s turf, which is currently unfit for football,” Celta said in a statement on Thursday.

“Last week, LaLiga conducted a technical inspection during which the work carried out to eradicate the disease affecting the turf was validated, and it was certified that the field met the quality and safety standards required for the sport. 

“Weather conditions over the past few days have had an adverse effect on the positive progress the playing surface had been making and have led to the decision to postpone the match.”

Why are Osasuna furious about the new fixture date?

Although Osasuna understood Celta’s pitch troubles, they were furious that the fixture was rescheduled for August 27.

In a statement, Osasuna claimed both clubs had reached an agreement to play on either September 24 or 25, which fell during the first international break of the season.

The club also stated both LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had been made aware of the agreement.

“However, neither LaLiga nor the RFEF accepted the clubs’ request and unilaterally decided the match will be played Thursday, August 27,” the Osasuna statement read.

“That means Osasuna must play a match Monday, August 24, and another Thursday, August 27 — including travel — without even considering moving up the Osasuna-Levante match to give more rest days.

“In short, the team most affected by the initial postponement for reasons beyond its control is again the most affected by the new schedule.

“That LaLiga would decide to postpone a match on a Thursday, just three days before kickoff, fits a pattern of last-minute calendar changes that have become all too common due to a lack of foresight and seriousness.

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“But for both LaLiga and the RFEF to ignore an agreement between clubs — especially after Osasuna accommodated Celta and agreed to a new date — is simply unacceptable and disrespectful.

“This lack of respect is compounded by the refusal to reschedule Osasuna-Levante or the decision to play the club’s first two home matches of the season on a Monday.

“There is no rule, criterion or explanation that can justify a decision that harms the team already affected by the original postponement—especially when both clubs had agreed on a new date.

“Nor can this decision be presented as made ‘in coordination with the clubs.’ All this comes just over 48 hours before Osasuna is scheduled to fly to Vigo. This is not football—it’s LaLiga.”

When does the 2026/27 LaLiga season start?

With Celta Vigo and Osasuna’s match now postponed, it means there will be just six LaLiga fixtures this weekend.

Valencia v Real Betis, Real Madrid v Real Sociedad and Barcelona v Athletic have all been rescheduled for a later date in August due to a number of their players competing in the World Cup final.

Alaves and Getafe get the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign underway on Saturday at 6:30pm, with the likes of Sevilla, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid also in action this weekend.