Real Madrid issued a statement on Tuesday opposing La Liga's plans to move Barcelona's match at Villarreal to the U.S. in December, arguing the decision would compromise the competitive integrity of Spain's top flight.

La Liga has been trying to host a league match in the USA for a decade, and it could finally become a reality with a Barcelona vs Villarreal game later this year. But here’s why La Liga loves America so much.

A competitive league game, involving Barcelona, in Miami. Sound familiar? LaLiga has been working on the idea for years, without success. Until now.