2026/27 La Liga Season Kickoff Dates and Key Fixtures
La Liga kicks off on Saturday, August 15, starting with Alaves hosting Getafe. This season's schedule is staggered due to World Cup semifinalists being allowed to delay their first matches. Every club except Celta Vigo, which plays Osasuna on Sunday, August 16, took this option despite Borja Iglesias' involvement in Spain's World Cup win.
This means that Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid will start their campaigns later than originally planned. Atletico's home match against Malaga is rescheduled for Wednesday, August 19, while Valencia vs Real Betis, Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad, and Barcelona vs Athletic Club are moved to midweek fixtures from August 25 to 27. These teams will officially begin their seasons on matchweek two during the weekend of August 22-23.
Matchweek One Schedule (2026/27)
- Date: Saturday, August 15
- Match: Alaves vs. Getafe
- Kickoff Time (ET): 1:30 p.m.
- Date: Saturday, August 15
- Match: Sevilla vs. Rayo Vallecano
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:30 p.m.
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Match: Racing vs. Villarreal
- Kickoff Time (ET): 11:00 a.m.
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Match: Espanyol vs. Levante
- Kickoff Time (ET): 1:00 p.m.
- Date: Sunday, August 16
- Match: Celta vs. Osasuna
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:30 p.m.
- Date: Monday, August 17
- Match: Deportivo vs. Elche
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:00 p.m.
- Date: Wednesday, August 19
- Match: Atletico Madrid vs. Malaga*
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:00 p.m.
- Date: Tuesday, August 25
- Match: Valencia vs. Real Betis*
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:00 p.m.
- Date: Wednesday, August 26
- Match: Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad*
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:00 p.m.
- Date: Thursday, August 27
- Match: Barcelona vs. Athletic Club*
- Kickoff Time (ET): 3:00 p.m.
*These games were moved from the opening weekend due to World Cup commitments.
El Clasico Dates for 2026/27
The first El Clasico of the season is set for Sunday, October 25 at Camp Nou when Barcelona host Real Madrid. The reverse fixture at Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled for Sunday, May 9. Kickoff times haven’t been finalized yet and could shift depending on broadcast arrangements.
Both clubs will also take part in the 2027 Supercopa de Espana in February and might meet there or in other competitions such as the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds or Copa del Rey.
Season End Date and Final Weekend Details
The 2026/27 La Liga season wraps up on Sunday, May 30. Recent years have seen all final round matches start simultaneously, following the Premier League’s approach. For instance, last season’s final day had all games kicking off at 7 p.m. CEST (1 p.m. ET).
Winter Break Information
La Liga takes a break during Christmas, with no fixtures between December 22 and January 2.
Managerial Notes and Team Updates
Barcelona enjoyed a strong season under Hansi Flick last year, while Real Madrid struggled after Xabi Alonso left mid-season. Their president Florentino Perez has brought back Jose Mourinho for a second spell. Atletico Madrid continue with Diego Simeone, who enters his 15th full campaign in charge.
