Real Madrid wanted Copa semi-final moved so they could play Celta

The decision to postpone Celta Vigo's game against Real Madrid brought moments of tension. Madrid made it clear at every moment that they wanted to play the game on Sunday at a different venue or for it to be delayed until Wednesday, with Celta's Copa del Rey game against Alaves re-arranged for another time. La Liga looked for an agreement between both clubs, but it seems the RFEF and television companies did not OK the initiative. 

Madrid tried to put pressure on by announcing that they would still travel to Vigo for the game as planned. La Liga felt it was a good option to get the game played due to a very busy calendar for both teams, but Celta put the brakes on finding an alternative venue as it was against the interest of their own supporters. The decision to postpone the game arrived after the mayor of Vigo made it clear that there was a safety threat -- due to the weather and a damaged roof at Balaidos -- if it was played. 

From there, Madrid tried to force the game to be played as soon as possible and put forward Wednesday, with the idea of re-arranging Celts's second leg of their cup semi-final against Alaves for another day. Alaves took Madrid's side, saying they didn't think it would be fair for the Galicians to have more rest this weekend, but Celta did not want to take up this option. Their desire remained to play the cup game this week. 

Los Blancos want their postponed games -- there are now two -- to be played as soon as possible so that the team can play them under less pressure and be better rested at the end of the season. Emotionally, the Madrid players see Barça on their tails at just one point back, even though they have two games in hand to strecth the lead to six. But the two games are away from home and there's fear at the club. The idea is to get them played and won before Barça are due at the Bernabeu. 

All parties remain in negotiations about when the game will be played and on Monday there should be news. Everything indicates that the Copa semi-final will not be moved and the league game will be disputed in May, unless a free week opens up via either Madrid or Celta being knocked out of Europe.