The conclusion of the club season with a marked Barça flair. In a year where Barcelona has dominated domestic competitions, winning the League, Queen’s Cup, and Spanish Super Cup, plus retaining the Champions League title, the focus now shifts to the upcoming season without a fixed start date. The Champions League quarterfinalists, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid, have secured their spots in the prestigious competition.
The conclusion of the 2023/24 season marks a notable achievement for Barcelona as they became the first team in Champions League history to win the title without needing to play the group stage or semifinals. This season, Barça has been joined in the top continental competition by Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, and Sporting Huelva as the two teams relegated to the Spanish second division, Deportivo de la Coruña, and Spanish will ascend to the first category of national football.
The Spanish League is the last in Europe to complete its season, a month after others like England, France, Germany, and Italy have finished their championships. The Spanish club will also be one of the latest to announce the calendar for the next season. Despite this, the 16 clubs in Spain’s top women’s football category have an assembly planned to close the season, draw up a calendar proposal, and review it with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Barcelona defends the throne, while Real Madrid and Atletico start their campaigns. Next season’s Champions League will feature these three Spanish clubs, with Real Madrid set to start in the second qualifying round and Atletico Madrid and Barcelona bypassing the first two rounds and entering the competition later.
Atlético de Madrid will return to the Champions League stage after a three-year absence, with an opening match in the first qualifying phase, which will be played in a mini-tournament at a single venue and in a single match. Meanwhile, Real Madrid begins its fourth participation in Europe by playing a two-legged tie. The drawing of lots for these phases will take place on September 5 and September 9, respectively, after which the exact opponents and format will be revealed.
Barcelona to defend Champions League title, Real and Atletico to start their quest
Champions League matches will begin on October 8/9, with Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, and Real Madrid in the mix. The competition consists of six rounds, with the final game scheduled for June 2024. The first round of the tournament will take place on September 18 and 25, with the drawing lots for this phase scheduled on August 25. As the season unfolds, this will be a critical period for these teams in their quest to capture the coveted Champions League crown.
