Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is currently on a tear. Fresh off a 3-2 Supercopa de España win over Real Madrid in Jeddah and a midweek 2-0 Copa del Rey victory against Racing Santander, the Blaugrana are heading into one of the trickiest away fixtures in Spanish football. If you are trying to figure out what time Barcelona playing this weekend, you need to set your alarms for Sunday evening in Spain.
The next match is against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena (Anoeta). It kicks off at 9:00 PM CET local time on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
For fans following from across the pond or the other side of the world, here is how that 9:00 PM Spanish kickoff translates:
- New York/Miami (EST): 3:00 PM
- Los Angeles/Vancouver (PST): 12:00 PM
- London (GMT): 8:00 PM
- New Delhi (IST): 1:30 AM (Monday morning)
- Sydney (AEDT): 7:00 AM (Monday morning)
Why the Real Sociedad Game is Massive
Anoeta is never easy. Honestly, even when Barça was at its peak under Pep, they used to struggle in San Sebastián. Right now, the stakes are high because Flick is trying to maintain a lead at the top of La Liga while dealing with a squad that’s starting to show some fatigue.
✨ Don't miss: Lo que nadie te cuenta sobre los próximos partidos de selección de fútbol de jamaica
Raphinha is currently a major doubt for Sunday. He took a knock recently and didn't train with the full squad on Saturday morning. Flick mentioned in his press conference that while they want to stretch the lead, they have to manage the minutes of guys like Robert Lewandowski and Pedri, who both came off the bench during the cup game in Santander specifically to stay fresh for this one.
Then there is the off-pitch noise. You've probably heard the rumors about the "gem" Dro Fernandez potentially leaving for Germany or England, which has clearly annoyed Flick. Plus, the veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen is reportedly close to a loan move to Girona. It’s a lot of distraction for a team that needs total focus to beat an "improving" Real Sociedad side.
What Time Barcelona Playing: The Rest of January 2026
The schedule doesn't slow down after Sunday. Because of the new Champions League format and the domestic cups, Barça is playing every three to four days. If you're planning your month around the matches, keep these dates and times handy.
🔗 Read more: Listen to Dodger Game: How to Catch Every Pitch Without a Cable Bill
Wednesday, January 21 – Champions League
Barcelona travels to Prague to face Slavia Prague. This is a Matchday 7 fixture in the league phase. Kickoff is at 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET).
Sunday, January 25 – La Liga
The team returns to the Spotify Camp Nou to face Real Oviedo. This one is an afternoon delight for local fans, kicking off at 4:15 PM CET (10:15 AM ET). It’s a classic slot that usually sees a great family atmosphere at the stadium.
Wednesday, January 28 – Champions League
The final match of the UCL league phase is against FC Copenhagen at home. This is a simultaneous kickoff night, so expect a 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET) start.
💡 You might also like: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Saturday, January 31 – La Liga
To wrap up a hectic January, Barça heads to Elche. The game is scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET).
Where to Watch the Games
Depending on where you live, the broadcaster might have changed since last season. In the United States, ESPN+ remains the primary home for La Liga, though the Champions League matches have moved over to Paramount+ and DAZN.
In the UK, look for the Real Sociedad game on Premier Sports 2. Interestingly, some of the later La Liga games in January, like the Elche match, are being listed on Disney+, reflecting the shifting landscape of sports streaming in Europe.
Actionable Tips for Fans
- Check the "Doubt" List: Before placing any bets or finalizing your fantasy lineup, check the Sunday lineup an hour before kickoff (around 8:00 PM CET). Raphinha’s status will significantly change how Barça attacks the wings.
- Sync Your Calendar: Use the official FC Barcelona app to sync match times directly to your phone calendar. It automatically adjusts for your local time zone so you never have to Google "what time Barcelona playing" at the last minute.
- Watch the Midfield Rotation: Keep an eye on Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal. Flick has been relying on these youngsters to give Frenkie de Jong and Gavi breathing room. Their performance in San Sebastián will be the "litmus test" for the squad's depth.
The 2025/26 season is reaching a critical tipping point. With the Super Cup already in the trophy cabinet, the next few weeks will determine if this team has the legs to go for the treble. Sunday night at Anoeta is where that journey truly resumes.