As a fan living in Spain for 5 years, the most anticipated moment every year is the announcement of the new season’s football schedule. This year’s fixtures have some changes, especially considering the impact of the European Championship and other international competitions. I have compiled a Spanish football fixture list to share with everyone.
La Liga Schedule
La Liga is the highest tier football league in Spain. The new season starts in mid-August and lasts until the end of May the following year. Matches are usually scheduled on weekends, but some are played midweek. It is worth noting that this year’s schedule has adjustments due to the Qatar World Cup.
Major Competition Dates Overview
| Competition | Start Date | End Date | Match Frequency |
|---|
| La Liga | Mid August | End May | Weekends |
| Segunda División | Late August | Early June | Weekends |
| Copa del Rey | October | April | Irregular |
| UEFA Champions League | September | June | Midweek |
| UEFA Europa League | September | May | Thursdays |
Copa del Rey and other cup competitions have a more unique schedule, usually interspersed among league fixtures. The Copa del Rey starts with lower-tier clubs in the first rounds, and La Liga teams join progressively. This format gives smaller teams the chance to face the giants, which adds to the cup’s charm.
Viewing Tips and Precautions
For overseas fans like us, the time difference can be challenging. Matches in Spain usually kick off at 9 PM local time or on Sunday afternoons, which corresponds to 3-4 AM Beijing time. It is recommended to check broadcast times in advance and arrange your schedule accordingly.
One more reminder: the Spanish Football Federation often reschedules matches for various reasons, especially those involving teams competing in European competitions. Therefore, it is advisable to follow official announcements for the latest fixtures to avoid missing exciting matches. Top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona frequently have schedule changes because they have to balance Champions League and domestic matches.
