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Atleti could boycott La Liga opener

Atletico Madrid say they may refuse to play against Athletic Bilbao in the second round of La Liga fixtures, reports Marca.

Los Rojiblancos are due to entertain Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon on Monday August 27 with a 10pm kick-off, meaning the game will finish virtually at midnight.

However, Atleti are due to face Chelsea in the European Super Cup in Monaco’s Stade Louis II the following Friday night.

The English club, therefore, will have a further three days to prepare for the clash by virtue of their home game with Newcastle United taking place the previous Saturday at 5.30pm (UK time).

Atletico’s indignation with the Spanish League has increased in the last few days since the first three rounds of fixtures were announced, so much so that according to Marca there is even a chance they could boycott the Bilbao game.

“I don’t understand how they can do this,” an indignant Atletico President Enrique Cerezo told Radio Marca.

“There are only certain teams who are discriminated against, those that are not on good terms with the television companies.

“The clubs will take the steps we have to take. All teams are not treated equally.

“If we were all in the same boat there would be no problem but Real Madrid and Barca call the tune.”

La Liga - Club News