Real Madrid concluded their run in the 2024/25 season with only a second-place finish in La Liga, without claiming any major trophies.
Despite having a star-studded squad, including Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Santiago Bernabeu last summer, Real Madrid were underwhelming in their performances in the previous campaign.
To make matters worse, Los Blancos also had an injury-riddled squad last season. However, it appears that the Spanish giants are ready to return to their winning ways in the upcoming campaign with a new head coach, Xabi Alonso, and some significant signings.
Even though Real Madrid’s preparations may be in order, there could be some crucial fixtures that decide Los Blancos’ fate in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Sporting News takes a look at the five league fixtures that could define Real Madrid’s upcoming league season.
Atletico de Madrid (Away) – September 28, 2025
Real Madrid will be making the trip to the Metropolitano Stadium in September for the first Madrid derby of the 2025/26 season.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
The historical rivalry, which originally dates back to the twentieth century, makes the derbies a crucial and exciting match for both Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid.
Real Madrid have bagged 36 victories in 88 league matches at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico de Madrid, meanwhile, have secured only 26 wins against Los Blancos at home, with the remaining 26 games ending in a draw.
Despite having a good record in away matches against Atletico de Madrid, a Madrid derby is an intense affair, and Real Madrid would like to set the tone early on in the new campaign.
Barcelona (Home) – October 26, 2025
Real Madrid are set to host archrivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on October 26.
The first El Clasico of a season is always deemed to be of utmost importance for both clubs and their supporters. Los Blancos were unable to bag a win against Barcelona in all four matches across competitions last season.
Real Madrid have been on the receiving end of victory in 56 games, while Barcelona managed 24 wins in 95 league matches at Los Blancos’ home ground.
Atletico de Madrid (Home) – March 22, 2026
Real Madrid have maintained a stellar record against Atletico de Madrid with 55 wins in 88 league matches held at Santiago Bernabeu.
Atletico de Madrid have managed only 15 victories, with the rest of the 18 games ending in a draw.
Last season, both Madrid derbies in La Liga ended in a tie, and as Real Madrid host Atletico at home on March 22, 2026, Los Blancos will be looking to bag a win.
Barcelona (Away) – May 10, 2026
Real Madrid’s away record against Barcelona in La Liga games has been underwhelming.
Los Blancos have had difficulty finding success against Barcelona at the Catalans’ home ground, with only 23 wins in 93 league games, as opposed to their rivals’ 52 victories.
Real Madrid are pitted against Barcelona on May 10, 2026, at Camp Nou, and considering that the game is scheduled in the concluding month of the 2025/26 La Liga season, Los Blancos would aim to add three points to the table.
Athletic Bilbao (Home) – May 24, 2026
Real Madrid’s last La Liga match in the 2025/26 season is against Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu on May 24 next year.
Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao share a historical rivalry, and any match between them is referred to as El Viejo Clasico.
Los Blancos have secured 66 victories in 94 league matches at home, while Bilbao have managed 13 wins. However, aside from the rivalry, the upcoming match could be a crucial one for Real Madrid with regard to their rank on the La Liga table at that time.
Real Madrid news and related links
