There are eight gameweeks and approximately two months to go until the first 'Clasico' of the season.
Contrary to expectations after the Spanish Super Cup, it will be Real Madrid who have to gain ground on their arch rivals Barcelona before the clash at the Bernabeu.
From now until December 23, Real will have eight matches to close the five point gap between them and league leaders Barca, who have an enviable schedule ahead of the historic clash.
Ernesto Valverde's men will face Malaga (home), Athletic Bilbao (away), Sevilla (home), Leganes (away), Valencia (away), Celtia (home), Villarreal (away) and Deportivo (home).
Malaga, Celta and Deportivo all beat Luis Enrique's Barcelona last season, while away trips to Bilbao, Valencia and Villarreal don't look to appealing either.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will come up against Eibar (home), Girona (away), Las Palmas (home), Atletico (away), Malaga (home), Athletic Bilbao (away) and Seville (home). Their clash against Leganes will be postponed due to the club's participation in the Club World Cup.
A timetable that is a tad easier on the eye for Real fans, but they too face gruelling away clashes against Atletico and Bilbao.
Only time will tell how the standings shape up before the season's first 'Clasico'.