This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that the rearranged Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be played on December 18, despite opposition from La Liga.
The decision was made after analysing the proposals of both clubs, who were invited to agree a date and decided on December 18, according to an RFEF statement.
La Liga had proposed December 4 or 7 and may decide to appeal, citing concerns that the new date would clash with fixtures in the Copa del Rey and harm the economic interests of the clubs involved.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde expressed his hope that the two clubs would not be drawn into a political 'war' between La Liga and the RFEF, who have clashed on various issues in recent years.
Barcelona, who moved top of La Liga last weekend, one point ahead of Real Madrid, will face a testing few weeks before Christmas, with several high-profile matches scheduled in December.
