In a surprising turn of events, the opening weekend of La Liga brought fans closer to the action than ever before, granting access to scenes and areas that were previously off-limits to cameras. As viewers were given a glimpse into the inner workings of 19 Spanish top-flight clubs, one notable absence stood out—the staunch refusal of Real Madrid to participate, potentially leading to a financial hit of €13 million.
During live broadcasts, the curtain was lifted, allowing fans to eavesdrop on pivotal moments that had previously occurred behind closed doors. The viewers found themselves in the heart of the action as Barcelona’s coach, Xavi, rallied his team, urging them to employ “one or two touches” to break through Getafe’s resolute defense. Athletic Bilbao’s captain, Iker Muniain, led his team in prayer before their match against Real Madrid, and a friendly exchange between Villarreal’s coach, Quique Setien, and Real Betis’ Manuel Pellegrini added an extra layer of intimacy before their clash on Sunday.
However, amidst this newfound openness, Real Madrid remained the exception. The club chose to boycott all interactions with rights holders, from pre-game preparations to post-match analyses, during their victorious 2-0 encounter at San Mames. This decision could cost them a substantial €13 million, unless they reconsider their stance and embrace the “voluntary” features championed by La Liga president Javier Tebas.
La Liga has introduced these “voluntary” broadcasting extras as an incentive for clubs to invite cameras into their inner sanctums. A significant portion of the league’s broadcast revenue for the 2023-24 season will be distributed based on participation in these initiatives. These enhancements encompass everything from having cameras in dressing rooms before and after matches, to increased camera coverage in tunnels and alongside benches, and additional opportunities for player and staff interviews throughout the match proceedings.
While some clubs, coaches, and players may harbor reservations about these added responsibilities, the majority participated wholeheartedly during the opening weekend. The outcome was a treasure trove of insights, including a candid moment where Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, rallied his players during a drinks break while leading 2-1 against Granada.
In contrast, Real Madrid’s dressing room remained a closed realm on Saturday, with no glimpses of the pre-game interactions between coach Carlo Ancelotti and Athletic counterpart Ernesto Valverde. In what appeared to be a protest against this new approach, Madrid took their stance a step further—none of the club’s representatives, including director Emilio Butragueno, Ancelotti, or the players, fulfilled their usual media obligations with rights holders before or after the game.
Instead, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Dani Carvajal communicated solely with Real Madrid TV from the mixed zone, while Ancelotti adhered to his customary post-game press conference.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will revise their policy, starting with their upcoming match against Almeria. La Liga also expects the club to grant cameras access to new areas within the Bernabeu stadium, including the visitors’ dressing room and bench, allowing fans to get even closer to the action.
