LALIGA
Why do Real Madrid and Barcelona have another LaLiga break? When do they play next in the league?
Madrid and Barça both won their first league games of 2024 but their minds will be elsewhere for the first few weeks in January.
They’re only just back from a two-week break over Christmas and New Year, yet Real Madrid and Barcelona are now set for an even longer spell without any LaLiga action.
When is Real Madrid’s next LaLiga game?
Los Blancos resumed with an unimpressive but crucial victory at home to Mallorca on Wednesday, Antonio Rüdiger scoring the only goal as Carlo Ancelotti’s side ensured they would take top spot at the midway point of the season. But they could find themselves knocked down into second by the time they play their next league fixture against Almería at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday 21 January.
When is Barcelona’s next LaLiga game?
Barça, meanwhile, have some serious work to do if they are to have any chance of defending the title the won last season, although they did at least get 2024 off to a good start thanks to a dramatic late win away to Las Palmas. Xavi Hernandez’s side will want to build up a head of steam as they look to close the seven-point gap at the top of the standings, but they’ll have to wait until that same Sunday (21 January) to resume their LaLiga campaign at Real Betis.
Who do Madrid and Barça play in the Copa del Rey?
There are no LaLiga fixtures this coming weekend (6-7 January), with the Copa del Rey round of 32 instead taking centre stage. As per the revamped format, the lower-ranked teams host the 16 ties, with Madrid and Barça drawn to face Arandina and Barbastro, both of the Spanish four tier, respectively.
Spanish Super Cup to be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
There is a LaLiga round the following weekend (13-14 January), but neither of the Clásico rivals will be involved as they, along with Atlético Madrid and Osasuna, will be taking part in the Spanish Super Cup, to be played in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia between 10 and 14 January.
Los Blancos will take on city rivals Atleti in the first semi-final on Wednesday 10 January, with Barcelona playing Osasuna in the second last-four clash the following day. The final is on Sunday 14 January, with all matches taking place at KSU Stadium, the home of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
By the time they are back in LaLiga action, Barça could find themselves 10 points adrift of Girona, who have the chance to open up a small gap at the summit.