Barcelona Begin Title Defence Against Athletic Bilbao

The fixture list for the 2026/27 LaLiga season has been released, setting the stage for a dramatic opening weekend. Champions Barcelona will begin their title defence at home against Athletic Bilbao, while Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid kick off his second spell in charge by hosting Copa del Rey winners Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The campaign begins on the weekend of August 15-16, with Atlético Madrid welcoming promoted side Málaga.

Racing Santander and Deportivo La Coruña, the other newly promoted clubs, will host Villarreal and Elche respectively.

The first Clásico of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid arrives in Round 10, scheduled for October 24-25 at Camp Nou.

The return fixture in Madrid will take place on May 8-9, in what is often a decisive clash in the title race.

Real Madrid, who have gone two seasons without a major trophy, face an early test with a derby against Atlético on September 19-20, before hosting the reverse fixture on April 3-4.

The season concludes on May 29-30, with Barcelona away at Getafe and Madrid hosting Deportivo.