The 5 games that could define Barcelona's 2025/26 season
Barcelona claimed the 2024/25 La Liga title in head coach Hansi Flick's first season in charge.
Along with their success in the league, Barcelona also bagged the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana last campaign.
With a couple of additions to the squad in the ongoing summer transfer window, the Catalan club will be looking to defend their domestic treble in the upcoming campaign as well as lift their first Champions League trophy since 2014–15.
However, there could be some crucial fixtures that decide Barcelona's fate in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Sporting News takes a look at the five league fixtures that could define Barcelona's upcoming league season.
Real Madrid (Away) - October 26, 2025
The first El Clasico of the season is always a major event, and for the 2025/26 campaign, Barcelona will be making the trip to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on October 26.
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Barcelona have not been on the receiving end of much success at Santiago Bernabeu, with 24 wins in 95 league games there as opposed to Real Madrid's 56 victories.
While they may not have a good away record against Los Blancos in La Liga, Barca won all four matches across competitions against Real Madrid last season and would be looking forward to pulling off similar results in the upcoming season.
RCD Espanyol (Away) - January 04, 2026
Another great historical rivalry in Spanish football includes the one between Barcelona and Espanyol.
Any match between the two clubs is referred to as Derbi Barceloni, and the first one of the upcoming season is slated for January 4 next year at RCDE Stadium.
Barcelona have bagged 19 victories in 33 league games at RCDE Stadium, while Espanyol have managed 10 wins.
Atletico de Madrid (Away) - April 05, 2026
Atletico de Madrid ranked third in the La Liga table last season, maintaining their stance as potential title contenders in the majority of the past campaigns.
Barcelona's away record against Atletico in La Liga has not been very impressive so far, with 28 wins in 88 games as opposed to the home side's 39 victories.
Atletico will be hosting Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium on April 5, 2026. With the match being scheduled in the concluding months of the La Liga season, the Catalans would be hoping to walk away with three points at the final whistle.
RCD Espanyol (Home) - April 12, 2026
The return derby of the 2025/26 season will be held at the newly renovated Camp Nou on April 12.
Barcelona have 23 victories in 33 home league games against Espanyol, who have managed only three wins.
The league match between Barca and Espanyol is anticipated to be a key fixture, especially as it is in the final stretch of the season.
Real Madrid (Home) - May 10, 2026
The second and last El Clasico of the 2025/26 La Liga season will be hosted by Barcelona on May 10, 2026.
Barca have 52 league wins at home against Real Madrid, who have secured 23 in 95 games. Being one of the last matches of the season, it will be an important contest for both sides, on top of the usual significance of the Spanish rivalry.
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