LaLiga schedules El Clasico to suit the Indian audiences

LaLiga takes stern actions in mapping India by preponing the timings of El Classico to suit Indian Standard Time.

El Clasico, La Liga’s most anticipated match between archrivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, has been scheduled on 23rd December 2017 at 5:30 PM, especially for Indian viewers. The live coverage of the game will begin at 4:30 PM on SONY TEN 1 and SONY TEN 2 channels. Recognizing India’s potential as a footballing nation, LaLiga has also planned a special screening of the match at the NSIC Grounds, Okhla, in New Delhi supported by additional on-ground activations to engage football fans. Fans can register for free here to experience the unforgettable match.

"With more than 2.5 billion viewers around the world last season, LaLiga clearly is a competition with a global following," said LaLiga president Javier Tebas. "Every weekend LaLiga provides hours of excitement and entertainment to fans. El Clasico always lives up to its name as one of the biggest and most-watched matchups in our competition."

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The first El Clasico will be played at the heart of the Spanish Capital and Real Madrid will be keen to make the most of the fixture. Madrid, as of now, are 10 points behind the league toppers Barcelona.

LaLiga has prepared to bring El Clasico even closer to local fans in seven countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and Kenya. Shanghai, Delhi, Jakarta, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul and Nairobi are the chosen locations for the events, which will attract thousands of fans of Real Madrid, Barcelona and LaLiga in general, who will come together to soak up the greatest footballing spectacle on earth.

Each of the seven events on Saturday 23 December will be graced by a LaLiga ambassador. Eric Abidal, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gaizka Mendieta, Christian Karembeu, Luis Garcia, Fernando Morientes and Frederic Kanoute will represent LaLiga in Shanghai, Delhi, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, Tokyo, Seoul and Nairobi respectively. The ambassadors will speak to local media outlets, interact with supporters and participate in various specially prepared activities aimed at the international expansion of LaLiga and all its competing clubs.

Real Madrid are currently behind the league leader FC Barcelona with a difference of 11 points and this fixture will be crucial in predicting how the league could go in near future.

Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN), the official broadcaster of LaLiga, will also ensure an unparalleled viewing experience with the live telecast of its flagship studio show, Football Extraaa, directly from the venue for the live screening at the stadium amidst fans. Football Extraaa will not only showcase pre, mid and post-match analyses and expert insights from football guest panellist but also run a live contest in the studio where viewers can pose questions to the guests on Twitter and win merchandise.

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Comments:

Mr. Rajesh Kaul, President, Sports and Distribution Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:

“Sony Pictures Sports Network and LaLiga have come together once again to serve football fans both on-ground and on-air in India and across the Indian subcontinent. Our commitment to GoBeyond is demonstrated not only broadcasting the El Clasico at primetime for fans in India but also giving them an on-ground experience of the live screening taking them closer to game in Spain. Last season we telecast over 300 live games which is the highest number of games telecast in any European football league in a single season in India. The first El Clasico of season 2016-17 was the most viewed international league football game in India that season. We want to continue to drive the growth in viewership and our collaborative efforts for the first El Clasico of the season will further amplify its presence in India. and expand our reach.”

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Mr. Javier Tebas, President, LaLiga:

"This December 23, the first El Clasico of the season will be played. A match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona always generates a tremendous amount of interest around the world. We want the many LaLiga fans in India to enjoy the match as if they were in the stadium. We are going to prepare an event so that more than 15,000 fans from India can be with us, enjoy the match, and experience LaLiga more closely It will be an event for fans of both teams, and LaLiga in general, to engage with the best football match in the world. We are sure that it will be an unforgettable experience. It's a great way to be closer to the Indian fans."