Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, again addressed the possibility of playing Spanish league matches outside the country and was adamant in ruling out a classico between Real Madrid and Barcelona being played abroad as part of the league competition. The leader assured that, although the internationalization project is still underway, that type of match doesn't fit within the current plans.

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During his speech this Friday at the Spanish Super Cup Fan Zone in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tebas explained that the idea of ??taking LaLiga matches to other countries remains a medium-term goal, but with clear limits. "A Clasico, no, it's impossible for a league competition. We continue working, we're closer, and we will do it," he stated.

The LaLiga president emphasized that the intention to play matches outside of Spain also responds to a way of recognizing international fans. “In the stadiums, we see many Spanish football fans who suffer with their teams, who rejoice in their teams' victories, and once a year it's important that a league match shows them respect,” he added, emphasizing the emotional bond that exists between Spanish clubs and their global fanbase.

The Super Cup in Saudi Arabia and the value of the Clasico

Tebas also addressed the fact that the Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia for several editions, a decision that generated debate at the time. In this regard, I have recalled that he never outright opposed the tournament leaving Spanish territory. "If you look back at the archives, I wasn't critical of the Super Cup leaving Spain. I thought it was a good idea," he explained.

The executive acknowledged that, initially, he had doubts about the chosen venue. However, his position changed over time. “At that time I thought it wasn't the most suitable country, but now, after years of seeing and visiting Saudi Arabia, and because of the effort they are putting in, "It's a very suitable country to do it," he noted.The 2026 edition of the Super Cup will once again feature a Barcelona-Real Madrid match as the decisive game, repeating a scenario that has already occurred in three previous editions. For Tebas, the presence of both clubs in the final represents added value for the tournament. "LaLiga is happy, as long as the teams that won their previous matches reach the final. A Barcelona-Real Madrid match is one of the best matches you can see in the world, and it's Spanish football, Spanish clubs that make our League and the Super Cup great," he stated. Later in his appearance, Tebas downplayed the controversy involving Diego Pablo Simeone and Vinicius during the Madrid derby. The president described the episode as "an anecdote" and asked for context. "Players and coaches are under a lot of pressure during matches, and even more so at the level of tension we saw yesterday. We have to understand that these are just situations, nothing more," he commented.