The phrase “Keep your eyes on the ball” serves as essential advice for players from Barcelona and Montpellier as they face off in Spain during a solar eclipse.
Fans attending the match will receive solar viewing glasses to protect their eyes while trying to follow a ball launched by Barça goalkeeper Cata Coll.
This unique event is part of a preseason friendly at Johan Cruyff Stadium, where the reigning Liga F champions and current UEFA Women’s Champions League holders welcome the French side, while much of the country will be captivated by the cosmic event overhead.
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Traditionally, sports schedules are adjusted to prevent overlaps with significant eclipses, but this match will proceed as planned. The club is embracing the occasion, promoting it as “a match that will eclipse Barcelona.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid‘s men’s team will also compete, facing newly promoted LaLiga team Deportivo La Coruña in Galicia. Depor has recommended the best spots in their Riazor stadium for viewing the eclipse, inviting fans to experience “a very special night … where soccer meets one of the year’s most unique astronomical events,” while advising attendees to “wear certified solar viewing glasses throughout the event.”
🕶️ Everyone with glasses to watch Barça under the eclipse
👉🏼 https://t.co/oTUoNBwxdq pic.twitter.com/m80Qs7kmob
— Esport3 (@esport3) August 11, 2026
Wednesday’s eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, although only select areas, including parts of Spain, will experience a total solar eclipse.
Barcelona will witness a partial solar eclipse, while Tarragona, about an hour south, is one of the locations that will experience the full coverage. However, Barcelona will not be far behind, with approximately 99.81% of the sun obscured by the moon.
The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. local time, with the eclipse beginning 34 minutes later. The total eclipse is expected to occur around 8:29 p.m., coinciding with the second half of the game.
This impressive sight will be viewable from both the stands and the pitch at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, and only during the totality are spectators allowed to gaze at the sun without protective eyewear, as infrared light can harm the retina. Therefore, it’s crucial for players to focus entirely on the game.