La Liga Returns: New Season, New Challenges

correspondent | Wednesday August 12, 2026 10:13

 

epa12622091 Rayo Vallecano's Jorge de Frutos (L) in action against Getafe's Djene Dakonam during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Rayo Vallecano and Getafe CF, in Madrid, Spain, 02 January 2026. EPA/KIKO HUESCA

Reigning champions Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have all been granted additional recovery time following Spain’s triumphant 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The wait is only a week, but it means the opening round will unfold without La Liga’s traditional ‘Big Three’ – leaving the spotlight firmly on the rest of the division.

Among those looking to make an early statement are Villarreal, who enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign and will be eager to build on that momentum. Their opening assignment is a trip to newly promoted Racing Santander, who return to the top flight after 14 years away. For Racing, simply being back among Spain’s elite is a major achievement; taking points from Villarreal would make the occasion even more memorable.

Sevilla, meanwhile, begin their latest attempt to rediscover the heights of their past. Once a dominant force in Spanish and European football, the Andalusian giants have endured a difficult period and will know that a fast start is essential if they are to restore their reputation. Rayo Vallecano arrive at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán with their own ambitions and could provide a stern early test.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Espanyol host Levante in another intriguing meeting between established top-flight names, while Celta Vigo welcome Osasuna in what could be a closely fought encounter. Both fixtures offer an opportunity to establish early momentum in a league where consistency can quickly separate contenders from the chasing pack.

Monday brings another emotional return, as Deportivo La Coruña are back in La Liga after eight years away. The historic Galician club have endured a long road back to the top flight and will celebrate their comeback at home against Elche. For Deportivo, this is about much more than three points – it is the beginning of a new chapter for one of Spain’s most storied clubs.

With Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico waiting in the wings, the opening weekend provides the rest of La Liga with a rare chance to occupy centre stage. The giants can wait... the 2026/27 season starts now.

African Stars To Watch

Dakonam Djene (Getafe – Togo): The experienced defender will be central to Getafe’s defensive organisation against Alavés, bringing his leadership, physicality and ability to marshal the back line in what could be a typically tight opening-day contest.

Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano – Angola): Nteka’s power and versatility will give Rayo an important attacking outlet against Sevilla, with his ability to hold up play, drive into the box and contribute goals making him a potential difference-maker.

Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal – Ivory Coast): Pepe will provide Villarreal with experience and attacking quality from the flank, using his pace, movement and one-on-one ability to help last season’s high-flying side make a fast start at Racing Santander.

Abdoulaye Faye (Celta Vigo – Senegal): Faye will be tasked with adding defensive strength and composure to Celta’s back line against Osasuna, with his positioning and physical presence likely to be important in dealing with the visitors’ direct threat.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Deportivo – Gabon): The veteran striker will be the headline attacking threat as Deportivo make their long-awaited return to La Liga, with his pace, movement and finishing expected to lead the line against Elche.

Broadcast details

Times CAT

La Liga, Matchday 1

Saturday 15 August

19:30: Alaves v Getafe – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 1

21:30: Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 1

Sunday 16 August

17:00: Racing Santander v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga

19:00: Espanyol v Levante – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 1

21:30: Celta v Osasuna – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga

Monday 17 August

21:00: Deportivo v Elche – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 1