La Liga fixtures 2025-26: Barcelona's Camp Nou return, Real Madrid's schedule and when is El Clasico?

The eagerly awaited La Liga fixture list for the 2025-26 season has finally been unveiled, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling campaign of Spanish top-flight football. Fans across the globe are now poring over the calendar, identifying key dates, challenging away trips, and of course, the highly anticipated El Clasico encounters. The release confirms several significant details, most notably Barcelona's unique start to the season and the path Real Madrid will take in their title defense.

Perhaps the most striking detail from the newly released calendar is Barcelona's challenging start. The Catalan giants are confirmed to play their opening three league matches away from home, a logistical decision likely tied to the final stages of the Spotify Camp Nou renovation. This extended road trip will test Xavi's squad early on, forcing them to accumulate crucial points on hostile territory before enjoying the comforts of home. This period will undoubtedly build immense anticipation for their grand homecoming. Fans will mark their calendars for what is expected to be a momentous return to their iconic, newly refurbished stadium, likely in late September or early October, for their first home league encounter, an event that promises to be a celebratory occasion for the club and its supporters after a prolonged period away from their spiritual home.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Real Madrid will kick off their title defense with a more conventional start, likely at the Santiago Bernabéu. Carlo Ancelotti's formidable squad, fresh off their triumphs, will be looking to establish dominance from the outset. Their early schedule will be crucial in setting the tone for their pursuit of back-to-back league titles, with particular attention paid to any tricky away trips or early clashes against top-four contenders like Atlético Madrid or surprise packages from the previous season. The Bernabéu faithful will expect nothing less than a strong start as their team aims to fend off challengers and solidify their standing as the dominant force in Spanish football.

As always, the dates for El Clasico are circled in red on every fan's calendar. The first titanic clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid is provisionally scheduled for the weekend of October 26th at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the return leg set for the weekend of April 13th at the Spotify Camp Nou. These matches, often pivotal in the title race, promise the usual blend of high drama, tactical masterclasses, and world-class individual performances. Beyond these two giants, the fixture list also lays out the paths for other contenders and hopefuls, ensuring a captivating narrative unfolds across Spain from the opening whistle to the final matchday of the 2025-26 La Liga season.