La Liga confirmed on Wednesday the date for this season’s first El Clasico, as Real Madrid prepares to face arch-rivals FC Barcelona. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for October 26 at 16:15 Central European Time (14:15 GMT) at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
This will mark Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso’s debut in charge of a Clasico, as he looks to improve on Carlo Ancelotti’s record against Barcelona last season. Madrid fans will be eager to see how the team responds after Barcelona’s dominant 2024-2025 campaign, which included four victories over Madrid. Last season, Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu and won 4-3 at Montjuic in La Liga. They also triumphed in the Spanish Super Cup final with a 5-2 victory in Saudi Arabia and secured the Copa del Rey in Seville with a 3-2 win, thanks to Jules Kounde’s decisive goal in extra time.
Real Madrid, however, have started the season strongly, topping La Liga with six wins from six matches. The team is looking to maintain their perfect record at home in Madrid, where the Bernabeu has always been a fortress for the club. Barcelona currently sit five points behind Madrid but have a midweek La Liga match in Oviedo on Thursday night, which could influence their momentum heading into the Clasico.
With pride, history, and league supremacy on the line, Madrid fans are bracing for another thrilling El Clasico showdown.