Kolkata is set to host a special exhibition match between Barcelona and Real Madrid on November 25, 2026, West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan has announced. The fixture is scheduled to take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium.
The announcement brings another major football event to the city, which recently hosted international friendlies involving the Indian men's football team and South American giants Brazil and Uruguay.
Khan confirmed the proposed fixture through a post on his official X, writing, "El Clasico Loading... #Barcelona Legends vs #RealMadrid Legends...November 25, 2026 Vivekanand Yuva Bharati Krirangan, #Kolkata."
El Clásico Loading.. #Barcelona Legends vs #RealMadrid Legends.. November 25, 2026 Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, #Kolkata https://t.co/otLcLJUM28
— Dr.Indranil Khan (@IndranilKhan) October 13, 2026
The exhibition match will feature former players associated with the two Spanish football giants rather than their current first-team squads. However, the organisers have not yet announced the complete list of players expected to participate.
The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, popularly known as El Clásico, is one of the most recognised fixtures in club football. The two teams have competed against each other across La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and other competitions over the years.
The proposed Kolkata exhibition will bring the rivalry to Indian football fans, with former players from both clubs expected to take part in the November 25 contest.
While the match date and venue have been announced by the West Bengal sports minister, details regarding the participating legends, ticket sales and other event arrangements are yet to be confirmed in the information available.
The announcement comes shortly after Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium hosted two international friendlies involving the Indian men's football team in October.
India faced five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 before taking on Uruguay on October 6.
Brazil defeated India 4-0 in their encounter, while Uruguay registered a 6-1 victory in the second match. Anirudh Thapa scored India's only goal against Uruguay, briefly bringing the Blue Tigers level before the South American side regained control.
The two fixtures brought international football to one of India's most prominent football venues, which is now set to host the Barcelona Legends vs Real Madrid Legends exhibition match later in November.
The exhibition is scheduled for November 25, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The announcement has generated anticipation among fans of both Spanish clubs, although the identities of the participating former players have not yet been officially confirmed in the information provided.
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