LaLiga faces concentrated AFCON 2025 disruption among mid-table clubs. Real Madrid and Barcelona escape largely unaffected, while Real Betis and Villarreal bear the heaviest burden during the tournament in Morocco (December 21 – January 18).
Title contenders unaffected
Real Madrid: Brahim Díaz (Morocco) is the only potential departure. However, his rotation role means Carlo Ancelotti's plans remain largely undisturbed. Los Blancos maintain their full first-choice squad.
Barcelona: No departures. Hansi Flick retains all first-team players, providing a potential advantage during the winter fixture congestion.
Atlético Madrid: Minimal impact expected. Diego Simeone's squad remains intact for the title challenge.
Real Betis hit hardest
Real Betis (2 key players): Abde Ezzalzouli (Morocco) and Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco). Both are regular starters under Manuel Pellegrini, and their simultaneous departure for the host nation creates significant problems. As Morocco favourites to progress deep, Betis could be without both until the tournament's conclusion on January 18.
The timing is particularly challenging – Betis face crucial fixtures in their push for European qualification during the AFCON period.
Villarreal's challenge
Villarreal: Ilias Akhomach (Morocco) departs. The young winger has impressed this season, and his absence weakens Marcelino's attacking options during a competitive mid-table battle.
Other departures
Getafe: Abdelkabir Abqar (Morocco) – a regular contributor for José Bordalás' side.
Espanyol: Pickel (DR Congo) – important for the Catalan club's survival push.
Real Sociedad: Awaiting Nigeria's decision on Umar Sadiq, though injury has limited his involvement this season.
Copa del Rey complications
The AFCON period overlaps with the Copa del Rey Round of 32. Affected clubs must field weakened teams in cup competition, potentially compromising knockout runs. Real Betis face particular challenges, needing to balance league and cup priorities without key Moroccan players.
Morocco concentration
LaLiga's AFCON impact centres heavily on Morocco. As tournament hosts, the Atlas Lions are favourites to reach at least the semi-finals. Their Spanish-based players – Ezzalzouli, Amrabat (Betis), Díaz (Real Madrid), Akhomach (Villarreal), Abqar (Getafe) – face the longest potential absences.
The opening match (Morocco vs Comoros) takes place on December 21, with group stage fixtures running until December 30. Should Morocco reach the final, affected clubs could be without players for the entire four-week tournament period.
Segunda División impact
The second tier also faces disruption:
For clubs fighting for promotion, these absences during the winter period could influence final standings.
Competitive implications
The asymmetry benefits title challengers. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid maintain full squads while mid-table rivals face disruption. Real Betis and Villarreal – both pushing for European qualification – must navigate the period without key players, potentially influencing the European places battle.
