The ball rolls again in the national championship of the 2026 – 2027 League in an opening day conditioned by an extrafootball factor: the condition of the playing areas. Last-minute maintenance work in several category venues marks the start of Matchday 1, where the ball’s performance on the grass will share protagonism with the debut of new signings this season.
Welcome to our fútbol.
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) August 13, 2026
The competition that has gone around the world returns.
Goals for the history books.
Minutes that last an eternity.
The best players in the world.
On August 15, the most exciting football returns.
VUELVELALIGA
Alavés – Getafe (Saturday 15 at 19:30h)
Alavés and Getafe kick off the season and measure their strength at Mendizorroza in a league start of maximum physical demand. The babazorro squad faces the match after strengthening their defense with the arrival of Argentine center-back Nicolás Valentini. Meanwhile, José Bordalás’ team arrives with good summer feelings and the novelty of Orel Mangala to secure the midfield.
Sevilla – Rayo Vallecano (Saturday 15 at 21:30h)
Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán will be the stadium where the debut of two projects seeking to start the season firmly will be played. Sevilla FC faces the match after strengthening their lines with the arrivals of Odisseas Vlachodimos and midfielder Jon Guridi. Opposite them, Íñigo Pérez’s Rayo Vallecano arrives reinforced at the back with Marash Kumbulla and faithful to their usual high pressure and intensity style.
Racing – Villarreal (Sunday 16 at 17:00h)
Sardinero hosts Racing’s return to the First Division in a trial by fire against Villarreal led by Iñigo Pérez, after Marcelino’s departure. The Cantabrians face the debut with reinforcements aiming to stay up. Meanwhile, the Yellow Submarine threatens Santander with a renewed attack after the arrival of Ayoze Pérez.
Espanyol – Levante (Sunday 16 at 19:00h)
RCD Espanyol seeks to make their home a fortress and Levante UD arrives in Barcelona reinforced to try to strike first in the tournament at the RCDE Stadium.
Deportivo – Elche (Monday 17 at 21:00h)
Riazor dresses again in First Division to close the first matchday with a duel of maximum demand. The Galician team takes the field ready to make their local push count and lead the attack.
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Atlético de Madrid – Málaga (Wednesday 19 at 21:00h)
Cívitas Metropolitano opens the day with an attractive clash where Simeone’s Atlético seeks to strike first with Julián Alvarez’s scoring debut. Málaga visits the capital relying on the solidity of center-back Einar Galilea to stop the rojiblanco firepower. A high-level duel to secure the first points at stake in the championship.
Valencia – Betis (Tuesday 25 at 21:00h)
Mestalla vibrates again with a direct duel between two contenders for the top of the table. The team faces the match seeking to be strong at home and integrating new pieces like attacker Rafa Mir into their schemes. Opposite them, the verdiblanco squad arrives in the Turia capital with the quality of their summer signings to take the initiative and assault a always tough venue.
Real Madrid – Real Sociedad (Wednesday 26 at 21:00h)
Santiago Bernabéu dresses in its best to measure the white team’s aspirations in their debut before their fans. Meanwhile, the Donostiarra squad arrives in the capital ready to cause an upset supported by the dribbling and freshness of attacker Sergio Gómez.
Celta – Osasuna (Thursday 28 at 20:30h)
The match between Celestes and Rojillos will finally be played at Estadio Abanca Balaídos after being postponed to this day due to the condition of the Balaídos pitch, affected by a fungus. Celta seeks to start by taking three points supported by the offensive reference Borja Iglesias. Meanwhile, Osasuna debuts the Abel Bretones era on the left flank.
FC Barcelona – Athletic (Thursday 28 at 21:00h)
Camp Nou vibrates with a classic of Spanish football in a direct clash of maximum demand. The blaugrana team seeks to consolidate their title candidacy driven by the young talent Lamine Yamal. Meanwhile, the Bilbao squad arrives at the match with their usual physical identity and the speed of Nico Williams to threaten on the counterattack.
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