La Liga Returns: New Season, New Challenges
La Liga 2026/27 begins with the Big Three sitting out Matchday 1, putting the spotlight on the rest of the league.
The new 2026/27 La Liga season gets underway this weekend, with Matchday 1 offering a rare opportunity for the rest of Spain's top-flight clubs to take centre stage.
Defending champions Barcelona, alongside Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, have been given additional recovery time following Spain's successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. As a result, La Liga's traditional Big Three will not feature in the opening round.
Their absence puts the focus firmly on the other clubs, with several fascinating fixtures scheduled across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Villarreal Face Newly Promoted Racing Santander
One of the most intriguing Matchday 1 fixtures sees Villarreal travel to Racing Santander on Sunday.
Villarreal enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign and will hope to carry that form into the new season. Their opponents, Racing Santander, are celebrating their return to La Liga after 14 years away from Spain's top flight.
For Racing, simply returning to La Liga is a significant achievement. Taking points against Villarreal would make their comeback even more memorable.
Sevilla Look to Make Fast Start
Sevilla begin another campaign hoping to rediscover the form that once made them one of Spain's most successful clubs.
The Andalusian side welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday night. Sevilla will be determined to start strongly, but Rayo have ambitions of their own and could provide a difficult opening test.
Espanyol, Levante, Celta and Osasuna in Action
Sunday's schedule also features Espanyol vs Levante, as two established Spanish clubs meet in an important early-season contest.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo host Osasuna, with both teams looking to secure an early advantage in a league where consistency can prove decisive.
Deportivo Return to La Liga
Monday brings one of the weekend's biggest emotional stories as Deportivo La Coruña return to La Liga after eight years away.
The historic Galician club have endured a long journey back to Spain's top flight and will celebrate their return at home against Elche.
For Deportivo, the fixture represents more than just another league match. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Spanish football's most historic clubs.
African Stars to Watch in La Liga Matchday 1
Several African players will be looking to make an immediate impact during the opening weekend.
Dakonam Djene – Getafe, Togo
Experienced defender Dakonam Djene will be an important figure for Getafe against Alavés. His leadership, physicality and ability to organise the defence could prove crucial in what is expected to be a closely contested match.
Randy Nteka – Rayo Vallecano, Angola
Randy Nteka gives Rayo Vallecano a powerful and versatile attacking option against Sevilla. His ability to hold up the ball, attack the penalty area and contribute goals could make him a key player for Rayo.
Nicolas Pepe – Villarreal, Ivory Coast
Villarreal will look to Nicolas Pepe for attacking quality and experience against Racing Santander. His pace, movement and one-on-one ability could help Villarreal make a strong start to the campaign.
Abdoulaye Faye – Celta Vigo, Senegal
Abdoulaye Faye will provide Celta Vigo with defensive strength against Osasuna. His positioning and physical presence could be particularly important against a visiting side capable of playing a direct style of football.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Deportivo, Gabon
All eyes will be on veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when Deportivo return to La Liga. His pace, movement and finishing ability make him the headline attacking threat as Deportivo face Elche.
La Liga Matchday 1 Fixtures and Broadcast Details
All times are in CAT (Central Africa Time).
Saturday, 15 August
19:30 – Alavés vs Getafe
Live on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3
21:30 – Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano
Live on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3
Sunday, 16 August
17:00 – Racing Santander vs Villarreal
Live on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
19:00 – Espanyol vs Levante
Live on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3
21:30 – Celta Vigo vs Osasuna
Live on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Monday, 17 August
21:00 – Deportivo La Coruña vs Elche
Live on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3
A Different Kind of La Liga Opening Weekend
With Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid waiting until the following round, La Liga Matchday 1 gives the division's other clubs a valuable chance to attract attention.
From Villarreal's trip to newly promoted Racing Santander to Deportivo's emotional return to the top flight, the opening weekend has plenty of storylines to follow.
The giants can wait. The 2026/27 La Liga season starts now.
