LaLiga chief Javier Tebas has revealed the date and time for the first league Clásico of the season between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Speaking on Spanish radio station Onda Cero on Sunday night, Tebas confirmed that the game will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, December 23 at 13:00.

Real Madrid at Club World Cup

Full screen GORKA LEIZA (DIARIO AS)

The reason for the unusual scheduling lies in Real Madrid’s participation in the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from December 6 to 16 with Zinedine Zidane’s side in action as of the semi-final stage on December 13 as they seek to defend their title.

The match will correspond to week 17 of LaLiga action, with the rest of the Primera clubs playing a midweek round of fixtures on December 20 and 21.