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.

The Spanish football federation approved a La Liga request to hold a match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this season, officials announced Monday.

Spanish clubs have long been aware of the financial allure of playing matches in the United States, where the sport's popularity has increased exponentially over the last decade.