La Liga Schedule: A Feast for Soccer Fans
When we talk about soccer, one of the first countries that comes to mind is Spain. If not the first, it’s definitely one of the first mentioned.
La Liga, Spain’s top-tier football league, boasts none other than “El Clásico” between Real Madrid and Barcelona as its most attractive game. Some might argue that’s more than enough, but soccer aficionados crave more. And of course, La Liga doesn’t disappoint. It offers matches like the Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atletico, the Basque Derby between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, and the Seville Derby between Sevilla and Betis, to name just a few.
Clearly, La Liga’s schedule is rich, presenting an extensive menu of matchups that promises excitement for any hardcore soccer enthusiast.
The Best Rivalries and Matchups in La Liga Schedule
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
In the world, there is no soccer match between clubs with as much importance, expectation, and eagerly anticipated as “El Clásico” between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. These are the most successful clubs in Spain, both domestically and internationally. Plus, they are considered two of the greatest teams in history, and they have a legendary rivalry. In 253 games, Real Madrid has won 102 matches, Barcelona has won 99, and there have been 52 draws.
Real Madrid vs Atletico
Soccer is a very special sport. So special that there are special cases in which the same city has two major teams. Avellaneda, Milan, Manchester, and Montevideo are some of the most important soccer cities in the world that have two great clubs in the same city, and of course, Madrid could not be the exception; specifically, the Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atlético. This historic duel has taken place 232 times, with Real Madrid winning 115 games, Atlético 57, and 60 draws.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
Although the entire planet knows the Real Madrid vs Barcelona matchup as “El Clásico,” there was another duel that had that nickname prior to the aforementioned Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, and that was the match between Real Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao. Before 2012, this rivalry had many more matches played, which gave it the nickname “Clásico” despite the popularity that Madrid-Barcelona had achieved. Currently, out of the 243 matches between the “Merengues” and the “Leones”, Madrid have won 122, Bilbao have won 77, and they have drawn 44 times.
Barcelona vs Atletico
In Spain, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been playing against each other since the beginning of time. Although it does not reach the level of a Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, it holds a significant place in Spanish soccer as a classic, especially in recent times when its importance has grown. With Atletico’s resurgence, the matches between the Blaugrana and the Colchoneros have become a must-see in La Liga. Throughout their history of 241 games, Barcelona have secured 109 victories, Atletico have achieved 75 wins, and they have played to a draw 57 times.
Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad
The Spanish La Liga has many exciting matches. In the Basque Country, for example, everything comes to a standstill when the two most successful teams in the city play against each other. They are Athletic Club and Real Sociedad.
The rivalry between them is centuries-old, as thrilling as it has given memorable moments for both. One example was the 2020 Copa del Rey Final. They have played each other 173 times, with Athletic winning 69 matches. Real Sociedad has emerged victorious on 59 occasions. A draw has occurred 45 times.
Sevilla vs Real Betis
The Heliopolitano derby between Sevilla and Real Betis is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling classics in Spain. The way Sevillanos and Béticos experience each duel can even be compared to a match in South America.
In their 139 encounters, the historical record favors Sevilla. The red-and-whites have won 65 matches. Real Betis has emerged victorious on 40 occasions. A draw has occurred 34 times.
Barcelona vs Espanyol
The Catalan Derby between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol stands out as one of the most unequal yet striking rivalries in the world. Both clubs were established around the same time, with Barcelona in 1899 and Espanyol in 1900. They began their journey in regional championships and were among the founding members of LaLiga in 1929, a season won by Barcelona. Looking at their history, Barcelona emerged victorious in 125 out of the 215 matches played, with 46 draws, while Espanyol only managed to win 44 games.
