La Liga has revealed the schedule for the first round of matches of the new 2025-26 season, which will be held exceptionally over five days. This is a first for Real Madrid, which is currently participating in the Club World Cup.
The new La Liga season is scheduled to kick off on Friday, August 15, with the opening match between Girona and Rayo Vallecano, while the round concludes on Tuesday, August 19, with a highly anticipated match between Real Madrid and Osasuna.
The Real Madrid match was delayed from the rest of the matches to allow the team's players ample rest ahead of their Club World Cup final, scheduled for July 13. Regulations require players to be given at least three weeks off after the end of the season, a requirement that has yet to be met for the Los Blancos' stars.
Real Madrid is currently preparing for a tough match against Borussia Dortmund this evening in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
For its part, Barcelona, last season's league title holders, begin their title defense by facing Real Mallorca away on Saturday, August 16.
Friday, August 15
Girona vs Rayo Vallecano – 7:00 PM
Villarreal vs Real Oviedo – 9:30 PM
Saturday, August 16
Deportivo Alaves vs. Levante – 5:00 PM
Real Mallorca vs Barcelona – 7:30 PM
Valencia vs Real Sociedad – 9:30 PM
Sunday, August 17
Celta Vigo vs. Getafe – 5:00 PM
Athletic Bilbao vs. Sevilla – 7:30 PM
Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid – 9:30 PM
Monday, August 18
Elche vs Real Betis – 9:00 PM
Tuesday, August 19
Real Madrid vs. Osasuna – 9:00 PM
It's worth noting that Barcelona won the La Liga title last season, after a fierce competition that continued until the final rounds with both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
