I still remember the frustration of missing crucial matches back in 2016 because I simply didn't have my football calendar organized properly. That's why I'm putting together this complete 2017 football soccer schedule guide for every major league - because nobody should have to experience that sinking feeling when they realize they've missed El Clásico or the Manchester derby. Let me walk you through exactly how I plan my football viewing year, with some personal tips I've picked up along the way.
First things first - I always start with the English Premier League because, let's be honest, it's where my heart lies. The 2017-2018 season kicks off on August 12, 2017, and runs through May 13, 2018. Mark these dates in your calendar immediately: the first Manchester derby is scheduled for December 9, 2017, while the North London derby falls on November 18, 2017. I typically use Google Calendar for this, creating separate color-coded entries for each league. What I've learned over the years is to always account for schedule changes - about 40% of matches get rescheduled for television broadcasts, so I set reminders to check for updates every Tuesday during the season.
Now, here's where I want to share something interesting that relates to our reference material. When I read Soyud's quote about being unexpectedly on the wishlist - "Nagulat ako na nandun ako sa wishlist. No one expected na nandu'n ako" - it reminded me of those surprise fixtures that always pop up in football schedules. You know, those matches between underdog teams that suddenly become must-watch events because both squads are fighting for survival or an unexpected European spot. Last season, I nearly missed Leicester City versus Everton because it wasn't on my "big match" radar, but it turned out to be one of the most entertaining games of the season. This taught me to schedule at least one "surprise match" each month where I pick a game between mid-table teams - you'd be amazed how often these deliver incredible drama.
Moving to La Liga, the Spanish top flight follows a similar timeline to the Premier League, running from August 18, 2017 to May 20, 2018. The El Clásico dates aren't officially confirmed yet, but based on historical patterns, I'm penciling in December 20, 2017 and March 4, 2018 for these epic encounters. My personal preference is always to watch El Clásico at a local Spanish tapas bar where other fans gather - the atmosphere makes it feel like you're right there in Barcelona or Madrid. For Serie A enthusiasts, the Italian league starts a week later on August 26, 2017, while the Bundesliga kicks off on August 25, 2017. I find the German league particularly enjoyable for Saturday morning viewing here in the States - there's nothing better than football with breakfast.
The Champions League group stage begins September 12, 2017, and this is where my scheduling gets really meticulous. I create what I call a "European nights" calendar separate from domestic leagues, with special emphasis on matchdays 3 and 4 in October and November when the group stages really heat up. Last year, I missed that incredible Monaco versus Tottenham match because I'd double-booked myself with a work commitment - never again. Now I actually request those key European nights off work months in advance. Some might call it extreme, but true football fans understand.
What many people overlook are the domestic cups. The FA Cup third round - where Premier League teams enter - occurs on January 6, 2018, while the Copa del Rey final typically lands in April. I have a soft spot for cup competitions because they often produce the kind of unexpected moments Soyud described - teams and players nobody expected to shine suddenly finding themselves in the spotlight. That's the magic of football that keeps me coming back season after season. My advice? Don't just focus on the big leagues - follow at least one domestic cup from start to finish each year.
As we put together this complete 2017 football soccer schedule guide for every major league, remember that the key is flexibility. I keep a digital calendar that syncs across all my devices, but I also maintain a physical planner on my desk where I highlight can't-miss matches in red. After all, there's something about physically crossing off matches you've watched that feels incredibly satisfying. The 2017-2018 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with new managers at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich, plus intriguing transfers still to come. Whether you're a casual viewer or a hardcore fanatic like me, taking the time to properly schedule your football viewing will enhance your enjoyment tremendously. Trust me - your future self will thank you when you're comfortably settled with snacks ready for that 7:45 AM Saturday kickoff instead of frantically searching for streams five minutes after the match has started.