CHRISTMAS will arrive two days early for most football fans — with the first El Clasico taking place on Saturday December 23.
Barcelona travel to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in arguably the biggest domestic encounter in world football.
And this time it will be live on British television, with kick-off taking place at midday UK time, and within the boundaries of legal broadcasting rights.
La Liga chief Javier Tebas confirmed the news during an interview on Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
Last season, the first El Clasico of the campaign, which took place at the Nou Camp, was on a Saturday at 3pm — meaning it was not live on our screens.
Real Madrid earned a 1-1 draw in that one, with Sergio Ramos heading in a late, late leveller.
However, the second meeting — at Bernabeu — was available to British viewers.
And they were able to enjoy one of the great Clasico encounters.
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Barcelona won a topsy-turvy affair – in which Ramos was inevitably red carded – 3-2, with Lionel Messi popping up to net a stoppage-time winner.
The win meant Real Madrid remained three points ahead with six games remaining — but any slip-up would have handed the Catalans the initiative due to the head-to-head rule in Spain.
Los Blancos held on and claimed a first title for five years.
However, their defence has so far been a little under par, drawing two of their first three games — both at home.
And they have also had Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos and Marcelo sent off already this season.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have temporarily silenced the doubters with three wins from three and no goals conceded.
Still, when the pair met in the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid were comfortable winners, with a 5-1 aggregate victory over two legs.
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