Barcelona, Real Madrid eye Dec 18 date for postponed Clasico

Barcelona and Real Madrid appear set to agree December 18 as the date for a rearranged Clasico after Spain's biggest football match was postponed on Friday due to protests in Catalonia.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that Barca and Madrid have until 10:00am (0800 GMT) on Monday to find a new date, which will be decided by the RFEF if they cannot reach an agreement.

But according to the RFEF, Real Madrid have already approved December 18, meaning the fixture looks set to move to that date, pending official confirmation.

In a statement on Friday, Barcelona proposed the new date but also stressed their desire for the original fixture, scheduled for October 26 at Camp Nou, to go ahead.

"The club's desire was to play the Clasico at Camp Nou on the 26th, the date and time previously agreed and the Committee was informed of this in writing," read Friday's statement.

"The club has the utmost confidence in the peaceful behaviour of its members and fans who always express themselves in exemplary fashion at Camp Nou.

"Nevertheless, having received the decision of the RFEF Competition Committee to postpone the game citing 'exceptional circumstances' and given that it falls to the clubs to agree a new date for the game before Monday, the club will propose December 18."
- Exceptional circumstances -
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In a press conference on Friday, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said: "We will do as we are told. I know there is a lot of debate but that's our position. I have my own preferences but I'm not going to tell you them."
"In case of not reaching an agreement, the Competition Committee will be responsible for determining the date of the meeting."