Thursday 09 / October / 2025
MADRID: La Liga on Wednesday confirmed that the match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona, scheduled to be played in Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica on December 20, will instead be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States.
"This match is a historic step that takes La Liga and Spanish football to an all-new level," commented La Liga president Javier Tebas in a statement.
"We understand and respect the concerns this decision may raise, but it is important to put it in context: this is one game out of the 380 that make up the season. La Liga represents millions of fans around the world, including many who follow their teams passionately and deserve the chance to experience seeing them live at least once," he added.
Tebas' statement comes after UEFA agreed for two European league matches to be played in other countries, with Villarreal and Barcelona heading to Miami, while Serie A teams AC Milan and Como will play in Australia.
Villarreal has said it will pay transport and hotel costs for season ticket holders wishing to travel to Miami, while La Liga insists "compensation measures have also been put in place for the home club's season-ticket holders."
The plan continues to face opposition from fan groups and the players' union AFE. Real Madrid has also criticized the move, arguing that playing the game in Miami, where most fans are expected to support Barcelona, would turn one of Barcelona's toughest away fixtures into a virtual home match.
