La Liga fixtures 2018-19 release date: When is season schedule announced? Real Madrid and Barcelona dates, VAR launch and more

The 2018-19 La Liga season is fast approaching, with Real Madrid entering a new era as they bid to reel in rivals Barcelona.

Barca were set to record the first unbeaten La Liga season in the modern era, but lost 5-4 to Levante with just two matches of the 38-game season remaining.

Despite failing to go the whole campaign without a defeat, Barca set a new record of 43 games unbeaten - a run comprised of seven games from 2016-17, and 36 from 2017-18.

While Barca's run saw them canter to the Spanish title, their arch rivals Real Madrid still ensured a successful season with another Champions League triumph - their third in a row, and 12th in total.

But there have been big changes at the Bernabeu this summer, with coach Zinedine Zidane leaving before star player Cristiano Ronaldo made a shock move to Juventus.

The pressure is now on the Clasico rivals to mirror each others' successes: Ernesto Valverde must improve Barca's European form, while new Real boss Julen Lopetegui will be tasked with adding more domestic glory to Real's glittering trophy cabinet.

But it will not be plain sailing for either side this term, with the likes of Atletico Madrid also pushing for silverware.

When are La Liga fixtures released?

La Liga have confirmed that the full 2018-19 schedule will be released on Tuesday, July 24.

The season will begin on 19 August and end on 26 May, 2019.

Will VAR be used?

Video assistant referee (VAR) technology will be used for the first time in La Liga next season.