Finally, here is The La Liga 2025-26 season, and Matchday 1 vows a exciting five-night football festival, running from Friday, August 15 through Tuesday, August 19. Supporters and fans are ready for non-stop thrilling action as top teams and newly promoted clubs collide in the opening fixtures.
Two of the biggest games to look out for are Mallorca vs Barcelona and Real Madrid vs Osasuna — both posing tricky opening challenges for last season’s top two sides.
La Liga 2025-26: Opening Night in Spain
The new campaign kicks off in Catalonia, where Girona FC welcome Rayo Vallecano at the Estadi Montilivi at 10:30 PM IST on Friday. The match holds special significance for Girona coach Michel, a former Rayo Vallecano boss, who will be looking to start the season with a win after a challenging 2024-25 campaign.
Next up is a long-awaited fixture for fans in Oviedo. Real Oviedo are finally back in La Liga after a 24-year absence and will face Villarreal away in their return match. This clash holds extra meaning for both sets of fans and for veteran Santi Cazorla, who has strong ties to both clubs.
La Liga 2025-26 Super Saturday, Featuring Mallorca vs Barcelona
Saturday brings a trio of exciting fixtures. The day starts with Levante UD, another newly promoted team, taking on Deportivo Alaves away from home. Then, at 11:00 PM IST, defending champions FC Barcelona begin their title defense against RCD Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
After starting strong last season under Hansi Flick, Barcelona will aim to replicate that momentum and chase back-to-back league titles — something they haven’t achieved since 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Also on Saturday, Valencia and Real Sociedad lock horns. Both clubs narrowly missed out on European qualification last season and are eager to start this campaign on the front foot.
La Liga 2025-26, Matchday 1: Sunday Treat
Sunday serves up three compelling fixtures. RC Celta will host Getafe CF in Vigo, while in Bilbao, a heavyweight battle is set as Athletic Club take on Sevilla FC. Ernesto Valverde continues to lead a largely unchanged Athletic squad, while Sevilla have undergone several changes, including the appointment of Matias Almeyda as head coach. This match will be a key early test for the Andalusians.
Atletico de Madrid will be on the road against RCD Espanyol. History is on Diego Simeone’s side — both of his previous title-winning campaigns began with victories. However, Atleti have drawn their last four encounters with Espanyol, setting the stage for another tight contest.
La Liga 2025-26: Madrid Giants Take the Field
Monday night features Elche CF against Real Betis. It marks Elche’s return to the top division and the managerial debut in La Liga for Eder Sarabia. He goes head-to-head with seasoned tactician Manuel Pellegrini, now 71, in a match that promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.
