The 2025–26 La Liga season kicks off tonight, with Girona hosting Rayo Vallecano at 11:00 PM BST, marking the start of what promises to be another gripping campaign in Spanish football.
Reigning champions Barcelona begin their title defence on Saturday against RCD Mallorca, while Real Madrid, fresh from a bruising Club World Cup semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, will wait until Tuesday to open their account at home to Osasuna.
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, are aiming to retain the title after a dominant 2024–25 season in which they swept aside Real Madrid in all four meetings and claimed a domestic treble. Much of their attacking success hinged on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who now wears the iconic No. 10 shirt and is expected to lead the charge once again. With Marcus Rashford arriving on loan from Manchester United, Flick has added depth to his forward line, allowing occasional rest for Yamal and tactical flexibility with Raphinha.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, begin a new era under Xabi Alonso, who replaces Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso inherits a star-studded squad featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but faces immediate challenges. Jude Bellingham is sidelined until October following shoulder surgery, and Luka Modric’s departure leaves a void in midfield control. Despite bolstering their defence with Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal’s return from injury, questions remain about the squad’s balance.
Madrid’s pre-season was far from ideal. Their 4–0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup exposed tactical vulnerabilities, and Alonso must quickly instil cohesion if Los Blancos are to mount a serious title challenge. As noted by analysts, Madrid’s squad is top-heavy and lacks a natural midfield anchor — a concern that could haunt them in tight matches.
Barcelona, by contrast, appear settled. Their attacking trio of Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha remains formidable, and Flick’s high-pressing style has already yielded results. However, defensive frailties persist, especially following the departure of Iñigo Martínez. The Catalans will rely heavily on Ronald Araújo and Pau Cubarsí to hold the line.
The first El Clásico of the season is scheduled for 26 October at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the return leg in Barcelona on 10 May — fixtures that could once again decide the title.
