If you’re checking your calendar and asking when does barcelona play real madrid, you’ve probably realized that the schedule for the 2025–26 season has been a bit of a whirlwind. We just wrapped up a wild Supercopa showdown in Saudi Arabia, and honestly, the intensity between these two has never been higher.
The short answer? The next time these giants collide is Sunday, May 10, 2026.
This isn't just any game, though. It’s the second La Liga meeting of the season, and it’s set to take place at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou. After years of playing at the smaller Montjuïc stadium while the cranes were up, Barça finally has their "modern fortress" back. If you’re a fan, this is the date you circle in red. It’s Matchday 35. It's late in the season. Basically, it’s the kind of game that decides who lifts the trophy.
The 2025–26 Clásico Schedule So Far
The rivalry this season has been pretty balanced, which is kinda rare.
Back in October 2025, Real Madrid took the first league meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu. It was a 2–1 win for Los Blancos, thanks to a masterclass in clinical finishing. But then January rolled around.
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On January 11, 2026, the two met in the Supercopa de España Final in Jeddah. Barcelona got their revenge with a 3–2 thriller. Raphinha was the man of the match, bagging two goals, and Robert Lewandowski added a third just before halftime. It was high-octane stuff—Frenkie de Jong even saw a red card in the 90th minute.
So, with the aggregate score for the season technically tied at 4–4 across all competitions, the May 10th match is the ultimate tiebreaker.
Key Match Details: May 10, 2026
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 35)
- Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
- Likely Kick-off: 21:00 CET (though TV broadcasters often tweak this a few weeks prior)
- Stakes: Potential La Liga title decider
Why This Specific Date Matters
You’ve gotta look at where this sits in the schedule. May 10th is right in the "death zone" of the European football calendar.
If both teams progress in the UEFA Champions League, they could be playing the second leg of a semi-final just days before or after this Clásico. The Champions League semi-final second legs are scheduled for May 5 and 6.
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Imagine the drama. You’ve got the biggest domestic game in the world sandwiched between the biggest continental games. Players like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham will be running on fumes, but in a Clásico, nobody cares about tired legs. It’s pure adrenaline.
Potential Extra Games
Could there be more? Yes.
The Copa del Rey is still in play. If the brackets align, we could see a two-legged semi-final in late winter. And don't forget the Champions League. With the new "Swiss Style" league format, there's always a chance these two draw each other in the quarter-finals or semi-finals.
If that happens, we could end up with a "Clásico Marathon" similar to the 2011 era when they played four times in 18 days. My advice? Keep your eyes on the draw on February 27, 2026. That’s when the knockout path for Europe is finalized.
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How to Get Tickets and Watch
If you're planning to be in Catalonia for the May game, honestly, good luck. With the Camp Nou reopening its full capacity, demand is going to be through the roof.
- Official Channels: Barcelona's official website is the first place to look, but tickets usually sell out to members (socis) before they ever hit the general public.
- Resale Markets: Sites like SeatPick or StubHub are options, but expect to pay a premium. Like, a "sell your car" kind of premium.
- Broadcasting: In the US, the game will likely be on ESPN+ or ABC. In the UK, it’s usually Viaplay or ITV depending on the rights shifts.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People often assume the dates are set in stone a year in advance. They aren't.
La Liga is notorious for only confirming the exact day and time about three to four weeks before kick-off. While it's currently listed as Sunday, May 10, it could easily be moved to Saturday, May 9, for television purposes or to give teams more rest for European fixtures.
Always check the official La Liga "Horarios" page about 21 days before the match. Don't book non-refundable flights for Sunday morning if there's a chance they play Saturday night!
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you don't miss a second of the action:
- Download the Official Apps: Both the FC Barcelona and Real Madrid apps send push notifications for confirmed "Horarios" (kick-off times).
- Set a Calendar Alert: Mark May 10, 2026, now, but set a reminder for April 20 to verify the exact time.
- Monitor the Champions League: Watch the February 27th draw. If both teams are in the same bracket, your "when does barcelona play real madrid" question might suddenly have three or four more answers.
The title race is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether you’re cheering for the youth of La Masia or the star power of Madrid, May 10th is the day the world stops to watch.