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We already have a calendar! This is what LaLiga 2025/26 will be like: Clásicos, derbies and dates to mark

LaLiga has already launched its next edition. The 2025/26 Primera División season kicks off on August 17 and will close on May 24, with a calendar that is loaded with excitement, great matches and a handful of dates that should be noted now.

The opening day of the season is a no-brainer: champions FC Barcelona will open with a visit to an always uncomfortable Mallorca, while Real Madrid will make their home debut against Osasuna, with their sights already set on what will be a season marked by big games... and by the presence of names that will be much talked about. Mbappé, Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Griezmann and company promise a show from day one.

The asymmetrical calendar system, implemented for several seasons now, is back in the limelight. This means that the matches of the first round do not coincide in order or dates with those of the second round. The idea is to maximize television viewership and stadium attendance, as well as to adjust to logistical needs such as field works, European commitments and national holidays. In fact, the system generates almost 100,000 possible combinations and one is chosen at random.

In total, there will be three midweek fixtures and five national team breaks (in September, October, November, March and June). In addition, soccer will stop for Christmas from December 22 to January 4.

Classics and derbies that promise

And the Clásico? Two dates will be marked in red: the first duel between Real Madrid and Barça will take place on October 26, on matchday 10, with the Bernabéu as the venue. The second leg, at the Camp Nou, will take place on May 10, matchday 35. Both games could be decisive in the fight for the title.

But Spanish soccer is not only about the Clasico. The Madrid derby between Atlético and Real Madrid will be played on September 28 at the Metropolitano (matchday 7), with the return leg at the Bernabéu on March 22 (matchday 29).

Other highlights include the Sevilla-Betis derby (November 30 at the Pizjuán and March 1 for the return leg), the Basque derby between Athletic and Real Sociedad (November 2 and February 1), the Valencian derby between Valencia and Levante (November 23 at Mestalla, February 15 at the Ciutat) and the always hot Espanyol-Barça (January 4 and April 12).

This is how LaLiga begins and ends

In addition to the matches of Barça and Madrid, Matchday 1 will see an interesting Athletic - Sevilla, an Espanyol - Atletico that promises a battle and an attractive Valencia - Real Sociedad. It will also be the first contact in the elite for the promoted teams: Levante will visit Alavés, Oviedo will play at Villarreal and Elche will face Betis.

The final matchday, scheduled for May 24, could have a lot at stake. Among the duels highlighted are a Real Madrid - Athletic, a Valencia - Barça and a Villarreal - Atletico. If the fight for the title or the European places arrives alive on that date, the outcome promises to be promising.

With the entire calendar already on the table, all that remains is for the ball to roll. LaLiga 2025/26 is already here, and it looks set to be one of the most exciting in recent years.