Madrid, Spain
Barcelona are all set to kick off their La Liga title defence against capital side Getafe on August 12 as they try to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2019. The Spanish champions won their first La Liga title in four seasons in May as they ended the four-year drought of domestic title silverware. On the horizon, record champions Real Madrid will play Athletic Bilbao away from home as they try to clinch glory after the 2022 title win. The first El Clasico in La Liga will take place on October 29 while Real’s first local derby against Atletico Madrid will take place on September 24.
Your club's debut, derby, last game of the season... ⚽
? Make sure you know what's going on every matchday in the First Division! #LALIGA
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) June 22, 2023
Barcelona begin title defence at Getafe
Defending champions Barcelona will look to kick start their title defence on a high as they take on Getafe away from home with fresh blood in their veins. The squad is going through a significant overhaul in the summer as they said goodbye to Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The club will play all their home matches at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium as their traditional home Camp Nou is under construction. Barcelona are active in the transfer market and are looking to sign the likes of Joao Cancelo while İlkay Gündoğan is almost done.
First El Clasico set for October
The first La Liga El Clasico of the season will take place on October 29 at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium with the return leg scheduled for April 21 next year. The teams could also meet in the final of the Spanish Super Cup if they win their respective semifinal matches. Barcelona are scheduled to play Osasuna while Real host Atletico in January at a neutral venue.
ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: Bell claims 'Australia have more to work on' despite Cummins & Co.'s narrow win in Edgbaston
Real Madrid face tough task on opening day
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will start their campaign against Athletic Bilbao while their tough tests traditional derby affair will see them play Atletico on September 24 at the Estadio Metropolitano. The return affair between the sides will take place on February 2 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real will look to reclaim the La Liga title for a record 36th time when the season begins.
The last of the season will see arch-rivals Real and Barcelona face Andalusians prospect as the former hosts Real Betis while the latter travels to Europa League winners Sevilla.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.