LaLiga Pauses for Christmas Break After Key Matchday 17 Clash

On December 22, 2025, LaLiga EA Sports concludes its 17th matchday with a notable encounter between Athletic Club and RCD Espanyol at San Mamés. RCD Espanyol, currently holding fifth place in the standings with 30 points from nine wins, three draws, and four losses, aims to continue its strong form after securing four straight victories, including a recent 1-0 win against Getafe. Athletic Club, coached by Ernesto Valverde and positioned eighth with 23 points, enters the match following a demanding Copa del Rey fixture against Ourense. The game kicks off at 21:00 and will be broadcast on Movistar Plus+.

Following this final December fixture, LaLiga will enter its Christmas break, lasting from December 22, 2025, until January 4, 2026. This pause allows players rest amid an intense season schedule. The next round of fixtures, matchday 18, is set to begin on January 2, 2026, featuring games such as Rayo Vallecano vs. Getafe CF and culminating with Real Sociedad vs. Atlético de Madrid on January 4.

LaLiga’s break aligns with similar pauses across Europe, with the Premier League observing a Christmas day break on December 24, and the Bundesliga resuming only on January 7, 2026, after its winter hiatus. In contrast, Italy’s Serie A will continue fixtures throughout the holidays without a break, while France’s Ligue 1 will be paused between mid-December and early January.

This strategic scheduling underscores LaLiga's effort to balance competitive demands with player welfare during the congested mid-season period. Fans now anticipate the return of top-flight Spanish football in early January after the festive respite.