If you’re trying to keep track of the Real Madrid schedule 2025, honestly, it’s a bit of a nightmare. Between the regular La Liga grind, the revamped Champions League format, and that massive new FIFA Club World Cup in the States, the players are basically living on airplanes. Everyone thinks they know when the big games are, but with the way Spanish TV rights and UEFA logistics work, things shift constantly.
Xabi Alonso is at the helm now. That’s the big shift. After the Ancelotti era wrapped up, the vibes at the Bernabéu changed. It’s more clinical. More tactical. But the pressure? That never leaves.
The Winter Grind: January to March
Let's talk about the start of the year. January 2025 was a gauntlet. Real had to balance the end of the Champions League league phase while trying not to slip up in domestic play. You’ve probably noticed that the "winter break" in Spain is basically a myth now.
Most fans focus on the big names, but the trip to Villarreal on January 24 was a massive trap game. Playing at the Estadio de la Cerámica is always a headache. Then you had the Champions League matchday 8 against Benfica on January 28. That's the thing about the new format—there are no "dead rubber" games in January anymore. Every goal matters for the seeding.
February didn't get any easier.
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- Feb 1: Rayo Vallecano (H)
- Feb 8: Valencia (A)
- Feb 15: Real Sociedad (H)
- Feb 22: Osasuna (A)
Going to Mestalla in February is always hostile. It doesn't matter where Valencia is in the table; they play Real like it’s a World Cup final.
The Spring Run and the Title Race
March is when the Real Madrid schedule 2025 really started to lean into the "make or break" territory. The Madrid Derby against Atlético on March 22 was a total stalemate. Those games under Simeone are just wars of attrition.
By the time April rolled around, the rotation became the biggest story. Alonso had to figure out how to keep Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. fresh for the European nights while still fending off a resurgent Barcelona in the league.
Speaking of the Catalans, the second Clásico of the season on May 10 was basically the title decider. Playing at the Camp Nou—or whatever they're calling the renovated version this week—is never just about the three points. It’s about the psychological damage.
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The Summer of No Sleep: Club World Cup 2025
This is where the schedule gets truly insane. While most players usually head to Ibiza or the Maldives in June, the Madrid squad had to pack for the USA. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is a beast.
Real Madrid was tucked into Group H. They kicked things off on June 18 against Al Hilal in Miami. The humidity in Florida that time of year is no joke. Then they flew up to Charlotte to face Pachuca on June 22, before wrapping up the group against RB Salzburg in Philly on June 26.
It felt like a pre-season tour, but with actual trophies on the line. They fought through the knockouts, beating Juventus in the Round of 16 and Dortmund in the quarters. But the semi-final against PSG on July 9 in East Rutherford? That was a disaster. A 4-0 loss. People were calling for Alonso’s head, even though the team looked like they were running on fumes.
The New Season: 2025-26 Kickoff
The Real Madrid schedule 2025 didn't end with the summer. After a tiny break, they were back at it in August for the 2025-26 La Liga season.
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- Aug 19: Osasuna (H) - A slim 1-0 win to start the campaign.
- Aug 24: Real Oviedo (A) - Clinical 3-0 victory.
- Aug 30: Mallorca (H) - A 2-1 scrap.
By September, the Champions League was back. The draw gave them Marseille, Juventus, and Liverpool in the early stages. The 1-0 loss at Anfield on November 4 showed that even with all the talent in the world, the schedule's weight eventually catches up to you.
What’s Left in Late 2025?
As we hit the tail end of the year, the fixtures are coming fast and thick. The club just finished a weird stretch in December where they played Alavés, a Copa del Rey match against Talavera, and then Sevilla all in the span of seven days.
People forget that the Copa del Rey is the "forgotten child" of the schedule until a big team gets knocked out by a third-tier side. Real avoided that embarrassment against Talavera on December 17, winning 3-2 in a game that was way closer than it should have been.
Real World Takeaways for Fans
If you're planning to travel or just want to catch the games on TV, keep these things in mind:
- Flexibility is key: La Liga doesn't confirm exact kickoff times until about 3-4 weeks before the match. Don't book non-refundable flights to Madrid for a Saturday game that might get moved to Sunday night.
- The "B-Team" is real: In late April and early May, expect to see the youngsters. If there's a Champions League semi-final on a Wednesday, the Saturday league game will be a heavily rotated squad.
- Ticket Scams: With the new Bernabéu fully operational, demand is through the roof. Only buy through the official site or reputable hospitality partners. The secondary market in Spain is "kinda" a wild west.
The Real Madrid schedule 2025 is a marathon designed by people who don't have to play the games. It's grueling, it's packed, and it's exactly what you expect when you're the biggest club in the world.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) announcements for the Copa del Rey draws, as those mid-week slots in January 2026 are already filling up. Check the official Real Madrid app for the most "up to the minute" changes, because, in this sport, a Tuesday game can become a Monday night game faster than Vinícius can beat a fullback.