La Liga returns this weekend, but with notable absences. While six matches feature on the opening weekend, powerhouse clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid will not be playing. Let’s explore the reasons behind this schedule.
Opening Weekend Matches
The opening fixture features Deportivo Alaves against Getafe on Saturday at 7.30 pm local time (6.30 pm UK, 1.30 pm ET). Later, Sevilla hosts Rayo Vallecano. On Sunday, Racing Santander welcomes Villarreal to their El Sardinero ground, marking a return to La Liga. Espanyol and Levante also face off. Deportivo La Coruna meets Elche on Monday, followed by Atletico Madrid’s clash with Malaga, the second-division play-off winners, on Wednesday.
Racing Santander’s homecoming is notable, rekindling old rivalries and building new hopes.
Impact of World Cup Participation
Four fixtures from the opening gameweek have been postponed to late August. This change accommodates players involved in the World Cup semi-finals. Spain’s victory over Argentina on July 19 means players like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Marc Cucurella have a postponed start date.
When Barcelona and Real Madrid Begin Their Seasons
Barcelona starts its title defense at Elche on Sunday, August 23. This delay provides recovery time for eight Barcelona players from the World Cup-winning Spanish squad. Real Madrid, under the leadership of returning manager Jose Mourinho, faces Espanyol on Saturday, August 22.
The teams’ initial matches will occur later. Barcelona will host Athletic Club at Camp Nou on Thursday, August 27. Real Madrid will play Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, August 26. Many top players had only recently resumed training, with key figures like Yamal, Pedri, and others joining sessions just a week before Barca’s season opener.
La Liga’s Scheduling Decisions
La Liga insisted on an August 15 start for the 2025-26 season, diverging from other major European leagues, such as the Premier League and Bundesliga. The Spanish players’ union, AFE, opposed this date, citing the need for rest and preparation under Spain’s collective bargaining agreement.
After extensive negotiations, an agreement to split the opening gameweek was reached on June 9 by La Liga’s club representatives. The arrangement allows clubs with World Cup semi-finalists the option to delay matches by 10 days. The Spanish football federation ratified the season calendar on June 30, even though Real Madrid did not participate in the meetings.
This staggered schedule results in La Liga fixtures occurring on almost every day from August 15 to 31. Evening kick-offs are necessary due to the high August temperatures in many Spanish cities.
Atletico Madrid’s Challenges
Atletico Madrid faces schedule constraints due to hosting more World Cup finalists than any other club. They have key players like Alex Baena and Julian Alvarez. Despite proposals to reschedule their match against Malaga to late August, scheduled concerts by The Weeknd at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium prevented this. Consequently, the match will happen on Wednesday, possibly without many returning World Cup players.
Adjustments for Other Clubs
Real Betis experienced delays with their match against Valencia moved to Tuesday, August 25, due to the participation of Giovani Lo Celso in the World Cup final. Celta Vigo’s game against Osasuna was originally planned for the opening weekend. However, issues with the pitch condition at Estadio Balaidos pushed this fixture to Thursday, August 27.