Watching a live football match between historic rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid is an unforgettable experience for any sports fan. Known as “El Clásico”, this match is one of the most viewed sports events in the world. Getting tickets can be competitive, but with some preparation and perseverance, you can secure seats to this legendary matchup.
When and Where is El Clásico?
Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other twice during each La Liga season, once at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona and once at Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid. The dates for El Clásico change every season depending on the La Liga schedule.
For the 2022-2023 season, the two El Clásico matches are:
- October 16, 2022 at Camp Nou in Barcelona
- March 19, 2023 at Bernabéu in Madrid
Both matches are scheduled for a start time of 3:00 pm local time in Spain, which is 9:00 am Eastern Time in the USA.
How Far in Advance Should You Buy Tickets?
Given the huge demand, it’s recommended to purchase your El Clásico tickets as far in advance as possible. Ticketing typically opens to the general public 2-3 months before match day.
Here are some guidelines for when to start looking for tickets:
- If you want the best chance at tickets, start looking 6-12 months in advance.
- To ensure decent ticket options, start looking 3-6 months in advance.
- Waiting until 1-2 months before will severely limit availability and increase prices.
Keep in mind there is extremely high demand from locals, tourists, and resellers during the ticket sales period. Tens of thousands of fans are vying for a stadium capacity of around 100,000 seats. Act fast once tickets go on sale to the general public.
Where Can You Buy Tickets?
There are a few official channels where you can purchase authentic El Clásico tickets when they go on sale:
- FC Barcelona website – Barcelona sells tickets directly to El Clásico at Camp Nou through its official website. Sales are first opened to club members, then the general public.
- Real Madrid website – Similarly, Real Madrid sells a portion of tickets to El Clásico at the Bernabéu through its official club website. Club members get priority.
- Authorized resellers – Both clubs contract with authorized third party resellers to distribute additional inventory. These are safe and guaranteed sources.
- Ticketmaster Spain – A major portion of both clubs’ ticket allotments are sold through Ticketmaster Spain.
Barcelona and Madrid usually announce official ticketing details 1-2 months prior to each El Clásico match. Check the clubs’ websites regularly as the date approaches for announcements.
How Much Do El Clásico Tickets Cost?
As a premium event, expect El Clásico ticket prices to be higher than regular La Liga matches. Here are some average price ranges:
Section | Camp Nou Prices | Bernabéu Prices |
---|---|---|
Lower side | €100-€250 | €150-€400 |
Upper side | €75-€175 | €80-€250 |
End zones | €50-€150 | €50-€200 |
VIP/boxes | €400+ | €500+ |
Factors like exact location, row, and club membership level determine final pricing. Midfield sections and lower rows command the highest prices.
On the secondary market, expect to pay a premium above face value due to very high demand. For a sold-out El Clásico, secondary market prices can exceed €500-1000+ per ticket depending on section.
Tips for Buying El Clásico Tickets
Use these tips to enhance your chances of getting tickets to see Barcelona vs Real Madrid live:
- Get a club membership – Becoming an FC Barcelona or Real Madrid club member gives you earlier access during the pre-sale period before the general on-sale.
- Buy exactly 2 or 4 tickets – For some sections, tickets are sold in pairs or sets of four. Odd numbered groups may have limited options.
- Be ready right when tickets go on sale – Have accounts created on ticket sites in advance and be online the moment sales begin.
- Act fast if you see available tickets – Don’t hesitate or they could be gone in seconds. Be ready to check out immediately.
- Consider VIP or hospitality packages – More expensive options like luxury suites and hospitality packages have better availability for late buyers.
- Get on waiting lists if sold out – Both clubs sometimes release last minute tickets if visiting teams return unsold allotments.
Persistence and preparation are key. The more effort you put in, the better chance you have of scoring the hottest ticket in football!
Can You Get Tickets on Resale Sites?
If El Clásico tickets sell out from the official club channels, the secondary resale market is an option. However there are risks to watch out for:
- Limited recourse if tickets are invalid – On resale sites, you won’t have the same guarantees as buying from official sources. There’s a chance you could be sold fake or duplicated barcodes.
- Massively inflated prices – With fans desperate for tickets, resellers can charge extreme markups of 2-10x face value or more.
- Potential for fraud – Scammers know there is huge demand, so watch out for “too good to be true” ticket offers.
That said, thousands of fans successfully purchase resale tickets every year. Here are some tips for buying safely on secondary sites:
- Stick to major established resale platforms like StubHub.
- Sort by listings with buyer guarantees or protection.
- Read seller ratings and reviews carefully.
- Be very wary of cheap ticket prices that seem unrealistic.
- Pay with a credit card for purchase protection.
- Confirm tickets immediately upon receipt.
- Be prepared to pay very high premiums – often €500 or more per ticket.
While risky, the secondary market is sometimes the only option for sold out matches. Do your homework on sellers and you can hopefully avoid issues.
Can You Get Tickets for Away Fans?
For security reasons, El Clásico tickets are segregated – home fans in some sections and away fans in others. Away fan tickets can only be purchased if you are a member of the away club.
For example, if you want to sit with the Real Madrid fans at Camp Nou, you must be a registered Real Madrid club member. Madrid will announce details on away member ticket sales specifically for their fans.
Away fan sections are heavily monitored by security and local undercover fans will be denied entry. Tickets are non-transferable. Do not buy away seats on resale sites unless you are a club member.
When Should You Book Travel and Accommodations?
If attending El Clásico, start researching travel and lodging as soon as you have match tickets confirmed. Demand for hotels and flights into Barcelona or Madrid will be extremely high.
Aim to book your travel arrangements 1-2 months in advance if possible. Any later and availability will become very limited and expensive.
Consider staying outside the city center to increase lodging options. You can take public transportation into Barcelona or Madrid on match day.
Also be aware of key dates like national holidays that could impact availability and pricing around the time of the match.
You want to lock down all travel details quickly once tickets are secured, so you don’t get left scrambling for expensive last minute deals.
Do You Need a Visa to Attend El Clásico?
Spain is part of the European Union (EU). If you hold an EU passport, no visa is required to enter Spain.
For non-EU citizens, here are the main visa requirements:
Country | Visa Needed? |
---|---|
United States | No visa for stays under 90 days |
Canada | No visa for stays under 90 days |
Australia | No visa for stays under 90 days |
New Zealand | No visa for stays under 90 days |
Mexico | Short-stay Schengen visa required |
China | Short-stay Schengen visa required |
India | Short-stay Schengen visa required |
Citizens of over 60 countries can visit Spain visa-free for tourism and business purposes less than 90 days. Check current Schengen visa requirements for your nationality.
When entering Spain, you’ll need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Be sure to confirm any visa rules and application timelines before booking non-refundable travel.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Camp Nou or Bernabéu?
On match day, getting to the stadium via public transportation is highly recommended. Driving and parking will be extremely congested.
For Camp Nou, the Barcelona Metro system provides the easiest access. Take the L3 (green) line to Les Corts station, right by the stadium. Extra trains are scheduled before and after the match.
For Bernabéu stadium, take Metro line 10 (dark blue) to Santiago Bernabéu station just outside the venue. Additional trains run on match days to handle the crowds.
In both cities, commuter rail lines like Rodalies in Barcelona and Cercanías in Madrid also serve the stadium areas. Overall public transportation is excellent in both cities.
Taxis and ride shares should be avoided near the stadiums due to traffic restrictions before and after the matches. Walk, take the metro, or bus for a stress-free way to arrive.
Where to Stay in Barcelona or Madrid?
Choosing accommodation near central transportation hubs makes getting to the match easy. Here are some ideal neighborhoods to stay in each city:
Barcelona
- Eixample – Upscale district centered around the Passeig de Gràcia avenue, just a few metro stops from Camp Nou. Close to dining, nightlife, and shopping.
- Gothic Quarter – In the old city center, located right by Barcelona’s main train station making transit connections fast.
- Poblenou – Emerging neighborhood along the coastline, near beaches and parks. Quick metro access inland to the stadium.
Madrid
- Sol/Gran Via – Epicenter of Madrid’s top attractions. Adjacent to the Metro system for an easy stadium commute.
- Salamanca – Upscale shopping district situated near the Santiago Bernabéu station.
- Chueca – Trendy central area know for cuisine and nightlife. Walkable to the metro lines.
Being based near major public transportation in either Barcelona or Madrid makes getting to El Clásico a breeze. Just avoid staying too far outside the urban core.
Top Things to Do in Barcelona and Madrid
Since you’re traveling all the way to Spain, take some extra time to explore these amazing cities beyond just the match. Here are top sights to see:
Barcelona
- La Sagrada Familia
- Park Güell
- La Rambla pedestrian street
- Picasso Museum
- Gothic Quarter
- Barceloneta Beach
Madrid
- The Royal Palace of Madrid
- Prado Museum
- Plaza Mayor
- El Retiro Park
- Reina Sofia Museum
- Gran Via shopping and dining
In both cities, spending 2-3 extra days allows you to see the major attractions, sample incredible food, and experience the local culture.
Enjoying Match Day in Barcelona or Madrid
On the day of El Clásico, fans from both clubs fill the streets with excitement and energy. Here are some tips for making the most of match day:
- Arrive to the area early – Soak up the atmosphere, have a meal, and avoid last minute transportation crowds.
- Visit the team stadium stores – Shop for souvenirs and gear at the official FC Barcelona and Real Madrid team shops.
- Check out pre-match fan meet ups – Many supporter groups congregate at local bars and plazas before the big match.
- Sample local game day foods – In Barcelona try tapas, paella, and pintxos. Madrid offerings include bocadillos, grilled sardines, and calamari sandwiches.
- Leave extra time heading home – Expect packed metro stations and transport delays right after final whistle.
While El Clásico is the highlight, enjoying the celebratory mood in the cities adds to the special experience.
Conclusion
Attending the legendary rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is a must for any true football fan. A bucket list item for many, seeing an El Clásico match live is worth the effort and expense. By buying tickets early, making smart travel plans, and embracing the local spirit in Barcelona or Madrid, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime at one of the greatest sporting spectacles in the world. Just be prepared for nonstop energy and excitement!