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Why are there no La Liga games this weekend? Explaining Real Madrid, Barcelona's break in schedule

Real Madrid and Barcelona are fully locked into their La Liga title fight now that both have been eliminated from the Champions League.

Los Blancos lost a thrilling quarterfinal 6-4 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, while Barcelona were bounced by Atletico Madrid, meaning their long wait to win Europe's top prize goes on.

It means the big two in Spain will now focus on a scrap for league honours. Barca are leading the way after 31 matchdays, but a Clasico meeting on May 11 could yet prove pivotal should Hansi Flick's side slip up before then.

However, we'll have to wait a little while longer before La Liga action resumes, as no games are taking place this coming weekend.

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Why are there no La Liga games this weekend?

No La Liga matches are being played over the weekend of April 18-19. The league is being paused because the Copa del Rey final is taking place on Saturday.

Spain's top domestic cup tournament comes to a conclusion at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville. Atletico Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the trophy match at 9 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET) on April 18.

La Liga returns for a full slate running from April 21 to April 23.

La Liga fixture schedule for next matchday

All times ET.

Tuesday, April 21

Athletic Club vs. Osasuna (1 p.m.)

Mallorca vs. Valencia (1 p.m.)

Real Madrid vs. Alaves (3:30 p.m.)

Girona vs. Real Betis (3:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, April 22

Elche vs. Atletico Madrid (1 p.m.)

Real Sociedad vs. Getafe (2 p.m.)

Barcelona vs. Celta Vigo (3:30 p.m.)

Thursday, April 23

Levante vs. Sevilla (1 p.m.)

Rayo Vallecano vs. Espanyol (2 p.m.)

Oviedo vs. Villarreal (3:30 p.m.)

MORE: Barcelona lodge official UEFA complaint over Champions League referees

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