El Clasico Dates Highlight Release Of La Liga Schedule

The Spanish Football Federation assembly has "revealed the pairings" for the '12-13 La Liga season, according to Javier Martin of the EFE.  The first matches will take place Aug. 18-19, just before the Spanish Supercopa between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The first leg of the Supercopa will be held at the Camp Nou in Barcelona on Aug. 23 with the return leg Aug. 30 at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. It will be the first time "that the start of the season takes place so early" (EFE, 10/7). In Madrid, Sergio Olmedilla wrote that the start of La Liga will see "an interesting duel between Real Madrid and Valencia." The Champions from the last campaign open at home against last year's third-place team. Second-place FC Barcelona "also open up at home" against Real Sociedad (MARCA, 10/7). AS reported that the Clasicos between Real Madrid and Barcelona will take place on Oct. 7 at the Camp Nou and on March 3 at the Bernabéu. These dates "are a triumph" for Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho who last season "showed his unhappiness" about the proximity of the Clasico and the UEFA Champions League semifinals. This season "that will no longer happen" (AS, 7/10).

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