Real Madrid face tricky La Liga return as Barcelona plot winning response

Real Madrid and Barcelona roar back into action in mid-September following the first international break of 2025/26.

The La Liga campaign hits Gameweek 4 as the campaign resumes after the latest round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

October and November will also feature international breaks as part of a quickfire qualification structure devised for the tournament next summer.

The El Clasico rivals both enjoyed strong season starts in August but it was Real Madrid who ended the first month with the all important edge at the top of the table.

You can check out the latest sportsbook options on Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of the next round of league fixtures.

Real Sociedad v Real Madrid – September 13

Xabi Alonso’s team enjoyed a perfect opening to their first campaign under the former midfielder with three wins from three and just one goal conceded.

Alonso revived his frustration over the schedule, following the 2-1 win over Mallorca, with Los Blancos’ preseason slashed by their involvement in the Club World Cup in the USA.

However, the early signs look very positive, with six goals scored and just one conceded – plus his Brazil contingent were not called up by Carlo Ancelotti and England boss Thomas Tuchel overlooked Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Up next on the schedule is a trip to Real Sociedad who are yet to win a game so far this season.

The summer departure of Martin Zubimendi has hit the club hard and Alonso’s former Basque employers have no European competition money to fall back on in 2025/26.

On paper, it should be routine for Real Madrid, but they have not enjoyed the best record on the road in San Sebastian.

Wins in the last two seasons at the Estadio Anoeta ended a mixed run there with just two league victories in the previous five visits.

Barcelona v Valencia – September 14

Barcelona stumbled before the break with a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on the back of wins at Mallorca and Levante.

Hansi Flick’s side have lived on their nerves so far in 2025/26 with a second half rally needed to overturn a 2-0 deficit at Levante.

However, this game is not just any clash, as it is scheduled to be Barcelona’s iconic return to their Estadio Camp Nou home.

The club have been working overtime to secure the necessary paperwork to operate at a partial capacity and the current signs look positive.

The hosts will not want to spoil their return party with a poor result and Flick has demanded an immediate reaction from his team after their struggles in Vallecas.