The 2026/27 European season is underway, and some of its most anticipated dates are already marked on the calendar. From Real Madrid against Barcelona to the Manchester derby, the major domestic leagues will once again feature some of football's most historic rivalries.
When are the biggest European Football rivalries in the 2026/27 season?
El Clásico, the Manchester derby, the North London derby, the Derby della Madonnina and Der Klassiker are among the biggest fixtures already scheduled across Europe's top leagues.
While exact kick-off times can still change, the league calendars already reveal when many of these games are due to take place.
El Clásico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
The first El Clásico of the season will be played on October 24-25, when Barcelona host Real Madrid at Camp Nou. The return fixture is scheduled for May 9, 2027, at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Spanish calendar also includes the Madrid derby. Atlético Madrid host Real Madrid on September 19-20, with the reverse fixture scheduled for April 3-4.
Manchester and North London derbies
The Premier League delivers one of its biggest rivalries early. Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, with the return derby at the Etihad Stadium scheduled for March 20.
North London will have to wait longer. Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal on December 5, before Arsenal welcome Spurs on May 1, potentially giving the second derby major importance in the closing stages of the title race.
The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is scheduled for November 28, with the return game at Anfield on January 30. Premier League fixture dates remain subject to changes for broadcasting and competition commitments.
Derby della Madonnina and Derby d'Italia
Italy will also offer several major rivalry games. The first Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and Inter is scheduled for the weekend of October 31-November 1, with Milan as the home team. Inter host the second meeting on February 13-14.
The first Derby d'Italia between Inter and Juventus is set for January 9-10, before the return match in Turin on May 15-16.
When Is Der Klassiker?
In Germany, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund meet in the Bundesliga for the first time on the weekend of October 30-November 1 at the Allianz Arena.
The return Der Klassiker will take place at Signal Iduna Park between March 5 and 7.
The dates make late October a particularly notable period. El Clásico arrives on October 25, while Bayern-Dortmund and Milan-Inter follow the next weekend.
With several return fixtures scheduled for the final months of the campaign, Europe's biggest rivalries could once again have a direct impact not only on local bragging rights, but also on the major domestic title races.
