2016/17 Spanish Super Cup dates announced

FC Barcelona's first official match of the 2016/17 season has been set for 14 August, the date of the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

Friday's announcement by the Spanish Football Federation finalised the dates of the two-leg encounter that will pit the La Liga and Copa del Rey champions Barça against Sevilla, the runners-up of the Copa del Rey, as they battle for the first domestic title of the new season.

The first leg will be played at the Sánchez Pizjuán, while the return leg will be at Camp Nou on 17 August.

This will be the second straight year Barça will open the season vying for a title against Sevilla. The two teams clashed in last year's UEFA Super Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia, a thrilling, extra-time encounter which Barça won 5–4 in the waning moments.

Barça have not won the Spanish Super Cup since their victory over Atlético Madrid at the start of the 2013/14 season, when the Catalans were led by Gerardo 'Tata' Martino.

Last season the Spanish Super Cup was the only one of six possible titles FC Barcelona failed to win. Barça fell to Athletic Club.