By Sachit Subba • Football • Aug 15, 2026 05:34 AM • 95 views
MADRID — La Liga will start tonight in Spain as Deportivo Alavés host Getafe CF, followed by Sevilla FC against Rayo Vallecano to round out the Saturday fixtures. Over the next nine months, 20 teams will compete across 380 matches through May 30, 2027.
After players took part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, league officials allowed teams with tournament talent to push back their opening games. Only Celta Vigo opted to play as scheduled, hosting Osasuna on Sunday with World Cup champion Borja Iglesias in the lineup. As a result, Matchday One stretches out until August 27, forcing opening fixtures for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Valencia into midweek slots. The reigning champions, Barcelona, open their campaign on August 23 at Elche CF.
Off the pitch, major eyes will be on the Santiago Bernabéu, as José Mourinho returns to take charge of Real Madrid after twelve years. Meanwhile, club president Florentino Pérez, fresh off re-election, backed a full squad overhaul after two years without a trophy. Madrid spent heavily to revamp the squad, with Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, and Denzel Dumfries set to wear royal white. Up front, the club spent a record €140 million on RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande and brought in playmaker Bernardo Silva from Manchester City on a free transfer.
As defending champions, Barcelona enter the campaign chasing a third straight league title while reshaping their attack after Robert Lewandowski's exit. Hansi Flick added width by bringing in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. At the same time, friction remains over Barcelona's pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez. Atlético's board has turned down multiple inquiries, though media outlets in Spain suggest Real Madrid might also join the chase, where their hunt for World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri still seems like sour grapes.
Across the capital, Diego Simeone begins his 15th full season managing Atlético Madrid with a refreshed squad. Atlético signed Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in, and Alejandro Grimaldo, while pushing to seal a deal for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero.
Away from the traditional contenders, three classic Spanish clubs return together to the top flight, as RC Deportivo, Racing Santander, and Málaga CF make their comebacks. Málaga travel to face Atlético Madrid, Deportivo host Elche, and Racing take on Villarreal. The first Madrid derby falls on September 20, while Camp Nou hosts El Clásico on October 25 as the title race takes shape.
