La Liga returns — 96th edition, Barcelona defending
The 2026/27 La Liga EA Sports season is the 96th edition of the top flight in Spain. FC Barcelona enter the campaign as back-to-back champions — they claimed their 29th title last season, finishing ahead of Real Madrid. Among the promoted sides, Racing Santander return after 14 years away, Deportivo La Coruna after 8 years, and Malaga also come up. The season runs until 30 May 2027.
Alaves beat Getafe 3:0 — season opener in Vitoria
The 2026/27 La Liga season opened in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Alaves beat Getafe 3:0 and made the perfect start. Three goals, a clean sheet, and maximum points — the hosts gave their opponents absolutely nothing. For Getafe, who finished in mid-table last season, it was a painful opener.
Sevilla 2:1 Rayo Vallecano
Sevilla won at home against Rayo Vallecano 2:1 and picked up their first three points of the season. The Andalusians, who returned to European competition last term, start with a positive signal. Rayo showed ambition and scored a consolation goal, but could not take anything from Seville.
Racing Santander 2:2 Villarreal — debutants refuse to buckle
The biggest surprise of the opening weekend. Racing Santander, promoted after 14 years away from La Liga, drew 2:2 with Villarreal at El Sardinero. The famous old ground erupted — the city had not seen top-flight football for over a decade. A draw against an established European club is an excellent opening result for the promoted side.
Espanyol 3:0 Levante and Deportivo 1:1 Elche
Espanyol won convincingly at home against Levante 3:0. Deportivo La Coruna, the second promoted side in the weekend's fixtures, drew 1:1 with Elche — a solid opening point for a club returning to La Liga after 8 years.
When do Real and Barcelona play?
Due to European competition and La Liga's traditional calendar structure, Real Madrid will play their Matchday 1 fixture against Real Sociedad on 26 August, while Barcelona face Athletic Club on 27 August. Atletico Madrid take on Malaga on 19 August. In the first five games of Matchday 1, no away side won — three home wins and two draws.