When do Real Madrid and Barcelona play next after the October international break? When is El Clásico?

The 2023-24 LaLiga campaign is nine matches old and Real Madrid and Barcelona are hovering ominously at the top of the table as we head into the October international break. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are in first spot after an excellent start to the season, only denied a 100% winning record by a derby defeat to Atlético Madrid. La Blaugrana, meanwhile, are the only unbeaten team in the Spanish top flight but have been held by Getafe, Mallorca and Granada away from home, leaving them three points adrift of their arch rivals.

As it stands, however, it is far from being duopoly. Xavi Hernández’s team, the defending champions, are not even the best team in Catalonia, with surprise package Girona one point better off after winning seven of their first nine fixtures. And 2021 winners Atleti are just two behind Barça having played a game fewer. Still early days, but a four-horse title race would be most welcome.

When is the first Clásico of the season?

Of course, the “big two” are the ones we all expect to go the distance and things will heat up considerably once the teams return from the upcoming international break, after which we won’t have too long to wait to see our first Clásico of the season.

Barcelona will host Real Madrid at their “new” home of Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys on Saturday 28 October, with kick-off at 4:15 p.m. local time (10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT).

How many matches will Barça and Madrid play before El Clásico?

But both sides will play two matches before then, which will determine how they go into El Clásico in terms of league position, form and fitness.

Barça’s campaign will resume with the first of three consecutive home games against Athletic Club on Sunday 22 October, which will be followed by a Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk in Montjuïc on Wednesday 25 October.

In their first match back after the break, Madrid will travel to Sevilla on Saturday 21 October, before then visiting Portuguese side Sporting Braga in the UCL on Tuesday 24 October.

Two home games for the Catalans compared to two away fixtures for Los Merengues, who have an extra day to recover. Who does that favour, if either of them?

Which Barcelona players could miss El Clásico?

Xavi, of course, has been dealt a blow with conformation that defender Jules Koundé will miss El Clásico due to a knee injury, while he is also sweating over the fitness of several players, including star striker Robert Lewandowski, teenage winger Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha, all of whom are likely starters.

Barcelona and Real Madrid’s next six games