Santi Cazorla: Premier League 'light years' ahead of La Liga

The match, set to take place at Vallecas Stadium, was called off just hours before kickoff due to safety concerns over the pitch.

Oviedo's trip from Asturias had already been completed, with players and fans alike left frustrated by the sudden cancellation. In a statement, the club confirmed it was considering legal action over the disruption. Club president Martín Peláez has formally requested that Oviedo be awarded the three points for the unplayed game, although a ruling in their favour is widely regarded as unlikely.

Cazorla, who enjoyed six years at Arsenal and won two FA Cups in the Premier League, voiced his displeasure on X (formerly Twitter), drawing a stark comparison between Spain and England's top-flight competitions. "The reality is that LaLiga is light years away from the Premier League in every sense," the 41-year-old wrote, highlighting his frustration with the league's handling of the situation.

The former Arsenal midfielder, who returned to his boyhood club in August 2023 and helped them gain promotion last season, has experienced both leagues firsthand. Oviedo currently sit at the bottom of the LaLiga table with just three wins, seven draws, and twelve defeats from 22 games this season.

The Vallecas pitch issue had already sparked protests from Rayo players on Friday, calling for improvements to the stadium and better treatment of fans. For Oviedo, the postponement has added to a challenging campaign, with the club now awaiting a decision from LaLiga on whether the fixture will be rescheduled or points awarded.

The episode has reignited criticism of LaLiga's management in recent years, with Cazorla's comments garnering nearly two million views and putting further pressure on league officials to address systemic issues. Diario AS reports that the federation will review Oviedo's request in the coming days, ahead of their next match against Athletic Club.