La Liga’s 2025-26 season promises high drama, fierce rivalries, and a fresh narrative as the official fixture list is out. Defending champions FC Barcelona, under the meticulous guidance of Hansi Flick, will begin their title defense amid renewed challenges from a rejuvenated Real Madrid, now managed by club legend Xabi Alonso. As always, eyes are already locked on the season’s marquee event — El Clasico — which is slated for October 27 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
With several managerial changes, star-studded transfers, and the return of historic clubs to the top flight, La Liga 2025-26 is brimming with intrigue. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Opening Weekend: Heavyweights Warm Up
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Mallorca vs Barcelona | Aug. 16-18 | Visit Mallorca Estadi |
| Real Madrid vs Osasuna* | Aug. 16-18 | Santiago Bernabéu |
| Espanyol vs Atlético Madrid | Aug. 16-18 | Stage Front Stadium |
| Villarreal vs Real Oviedo | Aug. 16-18 | Estadio de la Cerámica |
*Subject to change depending on Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup schedule.
Barcelona kick things off away to Mallorca while Madrid welcome Osasuna — provided their Club World Cup journey ends early. Atlético face a stern test against newly promoted Espanyol, and Santi Cazorla’s Real Oviedo return to the top flight with an emotional clash at Villarreal.
Barcelona’s Grand Return to Camp Nou
The Camp Nou, undergoing redevelopment for two years, will finally reopen — partially — for competitive football. Barcelona’s first home fixture at their spiritual fortress comes on September 13/14 against Valencia. The stadium will initially operate at a 60,000-seat capacity, and for many players, including young sensation Lamine Yamal and newcomers like Joan García, it’ll be their first experience playing at the iconic venue.
Barça’s first three matches are all on the road (Mallorca, Levante, Rayo Vallecano), giving them time to gel under Flick, who steered them to a domestic treble last season — La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercopa.
Alonso’s Real Madrid Reboot Begins
Real Madrid’s new chapter under Xabi Alonso will be watched closely. After his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso is expected to bring a tactical shake-up, including a probable three-at-the-back system. New recruits Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen are already on board, and more are expected.
Superstars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will lead the line in the absence of Jude Bellingham, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
| Key Madrid Fixtures | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid vs Osasuna | Aug. 16-18* | Bernabéu |
| Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid | Aug. 23/24 | Estadio Carlos Tartiere |
| Real Madrid vs Barcelona (El Clasico) | Oct. 27 | Bernabéu |
| Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid | Sep. 13-15 | Anoeta |
Atlético Madrid: Early Tests for Simeone’s Rebuild
Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, La Liga champions in 2021, will face tough early tests. They travel to Espanyol, host Villarreal, and face Real Madrid in the first Madrid Derby on September 27/28 — a tactical duel between Alonso and Simeone that’s sure to draw eyes.
With limited transfer activity so far (only Matteo Ruggeri and a permanent move for Clément Lenglet), Atlético are banking on more summer signings. Deals for Álex Baena and Johnny Cardoso are done.
The Other Contenders and Newcomers
- Athletic Club and Villarreal return to Champions League football, testing their squad depth.
- Real Sociedad and Sevilla, under new coaches Sergio Francisco and Matías Almeyda, respectively, aim to rebound from forgettable seasons.
- Girona look to regroup after crashing last term post a historic 2023-24.
- Real Oviedo, back in the top flight after 24 years, face Real Madrid early in what’s dubbed the Santi Cazorla derby.
| Promoted Clubs | Years Since Top-Flight |
|---|---|
| Real Oviedo | 24 |
| Levante | 2 |
| Elche | 1 |
Must-Watch Matches of the Season
| Fixture | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona vs Valencia | Sep. 13/14 | Camp Nou returns |
| Atlético vs Real Madrid | Sep. 27/28 | First Madrid Derby |
| Real Madrid vs Barcelona | Oct. 27 | First El Clasico |
| Real Sociedad vs Athletic | Nov. 1/2 | Basque Derby |
| Sevilla vs Real Betis | Nov. 29/30 | Seville Derby |
| Barcelona vs Real Madrid | May 3 | Second El Clasico – Matchday 35 |
Final Day Showdowns Could Decide It All
If the league goes down to the wire, Matchday 38 (May 24/25) is set up for fireworks:
| Fixture | Implications |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid vs Athletic Club | Title-deciding potential |
| Villarreal vs Atlético Madrid | Champions League race |
| Valencia vs Barcelona | Tricky away test for champions |
La Liga 2025-26 Key Dates Summary
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Matchday | August 16-18, 2025 |
| Barcelona’s Camp Nou Return | September 13/14 |
| First El Clasico | October 27 |
| Second El Clasico | May 3 |
| Final Matchday | May 24/25, 2026 |
Watch La Liga 2025-26 Live on FanCode in India
For fans in India, FanCode is the official streaming partner for the La Liga 2025-26 season. Supporters can stream every match live, including blockbuster fixtures like El Clasico, Madrid Derby, and the season finale — all in high quality and with expert analysis.
When does La Liga 2025-26 start?
The season starts on the weekend of August 16, 2025.
When is the first El Clasico of the season?
The first El Clasico takes place on October 27, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu.
When does Barcelona return to Camp Nou?
Barça play their first match at the partially renovated Camp Nou on September 13/14 against Valencia.
Who are the new teams in La Liga this season?
Real Oviedo, Elche, and Levante are the newly promoted clubs.
Where can I watch La Liga 2025-26 in India?
All matches, including El Clasico, will be streamed live on FanCode in India.
