Spanish football giants Barcelona are set to return to their iconic home ground, Camp Nou, after being away for two full seasons. The stadium has undergone a major renovation, and fans eagerly await the resumption of football at this historic venue starting from the upcoming 2025-26 La Liga season. However, the Catalan club will have to be patient a little longer before hosting their first home game at the revamped Camp Nou. Their first match back will be none other than the much-anticipated El Clasico clash against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Before that showdown, Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other for the first time this season at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
The official schedule for the 2025-26 La Liga season was recently released, highlighting two key dates when these fierce rivals will meet. The first El Clasico of the season is set for October 26, 2025, at Real Madrid’s home ground, the Bernabeu. The return fixture at Camp Nou will take place later, on May 10, 2026, at a critical point in the season when both teams could be vying for important league points or titles.
Because the stadium renovations at Camp Nou are still underway, Barcelona will not be able to play their opening matches at home. In fact, the first three games of the season will be played away, at their opponents’ grounds. This is a tough start for the defending champions, who will open their campaign on August 17, 2025, with an away match against Mallorca. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will kick off their season on the same day, hosting Osasuna, as they aim to put behind a disappointing previous season without any major trophies.=
Last season was a difficult one for Real Madrid, as they suffered a rare 100% defeat record against Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side defeated Real Madrid in all four of their encounters, which included two high-stakes title matches. Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey finals to Barcelona, followed by two league defeats—one at home and one at Camp Nou. These losses marked a significant low for Los Blancos and turned the season into a major disappointment. The upcoming season presents Real Madrid with a golden chance to seek revenge and restore their dominance over their biggest rivals.
On the managerial front, Barcelona will once again be led by Hansi Flick, who enjoyed great success last season by winning the domestic treble, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup. Flick’s presence brings continuity and confidence to the Catalan side as they prepare for the intense battles ahead.
Real Madrid, however, have undergone a change in leadership. Carlo Ancelotti has taken up the role of Brazil’s national team coach, paving the way for former Real player Xabi Alonso to step in as the new head coach. Alonso is already making his mark, as Real Madrid competes in the FIFA Club World Cup under his guidance. Alongside the coaching change, Real Madrid has also seen several changes in their squad, adding a fresh dynamic to the team. This mix of new leadership and squad adjustments hints at a fresh chapter in the legendary Barca-Real rivalry.
Fans of both teams are eagerly looking forward to these two high-profile encounters. The first match at the Bernabeu on October 26 will test Barcelona’s ability to perform away from home early in the season, while the return fixture at Camp Nou in May will be a defining moment in the title race. The revamped Camp Nou is expected to provide an electrifying atmosphere, as it welcomes back passionate supporters after years of waiting.
Overall, the 2025-26 La Liga season promises to be thrilling, with Barcelona returning to their home fortress and Real Madrid hungry for redemption. The El Clasico matches will undoubtedly be the highlights of the season, showcasing top-level football, intense rivalry, and historic moments at two of the world’s most famous stadiums.
