La Liga 2026/27 Season Start and Key Fixtures Schedule
When Does the 2026/27 La Liga Season Begin?
The 2026/27 La Liga season kicks off on Saturday, August 15 with Alaves hosting Getafe. This year’s start is staggered due to World Cup semifinalists being allowed to delay their opening matches. Every team accepted this option except Celta Vigo, who will face Osasuna on Sunday, August 16 despite Borja Iglesias’ role in Spain’s recent World Cup win.
This adjustment means that some of the biggest clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid will not play their first matches until later dates. Atletico Madrid’s initial game against Malaga has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 19.
Matchweek One Schedule (La Liga 2026/27)
- Saturday, August 15: Alaves vs. Getafe at 1:30 p.m. ET
- Saturday, August 15: Sevilla vs. Rayo Vallecano at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Sunday, August 16: Racing vs. Villarreal at 11:00 a.m. ET
- Sunday, August 16: Espanyol vs. Levante at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Sunday, August 16: Celta vs. Osasuna at 3:30 p.m. ET
- Monday, August 17: Deportivo vs. Elche at 3:00 p.m. ET
- Wednesday, August 19: Atletico Madrid vs. Malaga at 3:00 p.m. ET* (rescheduled)
- Tuesday, August 25: Valencia vs. Real Betis at 3:00 p.m. ET* (rescheduled)
- Wednesday, August 26: Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad at 3:00 p.m. ET* (rescheduled)
- Thursday, August 27: Barcelona vs. Athletic Club at 3:00 p.m. ET* (rescheduled)
*These fixtures were moved from the opening weekend because of World Cup commitments.
El Clasico Dates for 2026/27
The first El Clasico of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid is set for Sunday, October 25 at Camp Nou. The return meeting at Santiago Bernabeu will happen on Sunday, May 9. Kickoff times might shift depending on TV scheduling.
Both clubs are also expected to compete in the 2027 Supercopa de Espana in February, possibly facing off in the final. Additionally, clashes could occur in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages or Copa del Rey.
When Does the La Liga Season End?
The league’s final round is slated for Sunday, May 30, 2027. Following recent tradition, all last-day matches start simultaneously to maintain fairness and excitement. For instance, the 2025/26 season's finale kicked off at 7 p.m. Central European Summer Time (1 p.m. ET).
Is There a Winter Break in La Liga?
La Liga will pause during the Christmas period with no games scheduled between December 22 and January 2, giving players and fans a short winter break.
