Key talking points as La Liga begins
La Liga's 2026/27 season kicks off with several top teams not in action due to World Cup commitments. Barcelona and Real Madrid will play their first matches next weekend, while Atletico Madrid's first game is postponed due to the Julian Alvarez transfer saga.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
La Liga's new season begins with several top teams on the sidelines due to World Cup commitments. Barcelona and Real Madrid will play their first matches next weekend, while Atletico Madrid's first game is postponed due to the Julian Alvarez transfer saga. The season promises to be exciting, with several teams looking to make a strong impression.
La Liga's new season is starting, but some big teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid won't play their first matches until next weekend. This is because many of their players are still playing in the World Cup. The season promises to be exciting, with several teams looking to make a strong impression.
Analysis
Giants Must Wait
The Spanish football season is about to kick off, but several top teams will not be in action for the first round of fixtures. Barcelona and Real Madrid, the defending champions and one of the biggest clubs in the world, will not play their first matches until next weekend. This is due to many of their players being involved in the latter stages of the World Cup.
Hansi Flick's Barca will visit Elche on August 23, a day after Jose Mourinho's first match at the helm of Real Madrid in his second spell at the club, away at Espanyol. Much of the intrigue heading into the season concerns whether the Portuguese coach can revive a Madrid side after two seasons without a major trophy, as well as how Los Blancos' several summer signings bed in.
Alvarez Issue
Atletico Madrid kick off their season with the Julian Alvarez transfer saga still unresolved, although the Rojiblancos say they are not planning on selling him to Barcelona. The forward wants to move but has returned to training with his team-mates. With his holidays finishing later than most after Argentina reached the World Cup final, and amid the speculation of a potential departure, it is not likely that Alvarez starts Atletico's first match.
Perez at Villarreal
Villarreal impressed in La Liga last season as they came third under Marcelino Garcia Toral, who departed at the end of the campaign and has been replaced by Inigo Perez. The 38-year-old coach earned praise for his work at Rayo Vallecano, whom he led to the Conference League final, earning the step up to helm the Yellow Submarine.
Back from the Depths
Three historically significant clubs returned to La Liga after lengthy absences in Racing Santander, Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga. Many will remember the latter two from their participation in the Champions League, with Depor reaching the semi-finals in 2004, losing out to Mourinho's Porto. Malaga reached the quarter-finals in 2013, but like Depor slumped down into Spain's third tier.
Can Matarazzo Magic Continue?
American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo turned Real Sociedad's fortunes around after being appointed in December to replace Sergio Francisco. The New Jersey native was a breath of fresh air in San Sebastian and led them to Copa del Rey glory as well as driving them up the table, away from the relegation zone.
Key points
- Barcelona and Real Madrid will not play their first matches until next weekend due to World Cup commitments.
- Atletico Madrid's first game is postponed due to the Julian Alvarez transfer saga.
- Villarreal and Real Sociedad have made significant changes to their squads and could make a strong impression in the new season.
- Three historically significant clubs, Racing Santander, Deportivo La Coruna, and Malaga, have returned to La Liga after lengthy absences.
- American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has turned Real Sociedad's fortunes around and could continue to lead them to success.
The new season could bring a fresh start for teams like Villarreal and Real Sociedad, who have made significant changes to their squads. With the right approach and teamwork, they could make a strong impression and even challenge for a top four spot.
The transfer saga surrounding Julian Alvarez could cause tension and distraction for Atletico Madrid, potentially affecting their performance in the early stages of the season. Additionally, the absence of key players from top teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid could lead to a weaker start for these teams.
