The upcoming La Liga EA Sports season opens this Friday with Barcelona defending last season’s championship. Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid are poised in strong positions, ready to challenge once again as the campaign gets underway. The start promises drama and competitive balance after a busy market that could still swing transfers before the window closes.
Almería vs. Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla vs. Valencia kick off the 2023-2024 campaign amid lingering questions about squad changes. Clubs weigh new signings and strategic shifts as Real Madrid visits San Mamés and Barcelona faces Getafe on opening day, with Barcelona aiming to defend the crown.
La Liga EA Sports begins under a refreshed branding while teams navigate a market that may still reshuffle the lineup. As in previous seasons, rumors swirl around a potential marquee signing, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé still unattached as talks continue. The transfer window closes on September 1.
The field welcomes several new faces, including İlkay Gündoğan at Barcelona, Çağlar Söyüncü at Atlético Madrid, and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. Fans may notice familiar names returning from injury or changing roles, such as Rafa Benítez stepping in at Celta’s helm, César Azpilicueta joining Atlético, and Marc Bartra resurfacing with Betis. Veteran names like David Silva, Sergio Canales, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are no strangers to the league either.
Almería vs. Rayo Vallecano
The Almería pitch hosts a season-opening clash on Friday, with Vicente Moreno directing the squad after reinforcing with Dion Lopy from Senegal following Rubí’s departure. They welcome Rayo Vallecano, coached by Francisco Rodríguez, who arrives after Andoni Iraola’s successful spell at Bournemouth.
Sevilla vs. Valencia
The other early match features Sevilla against Valencia, two teams that endured a challenging end to the previous campaign yet managed to secure Europa League action from Andalusia. Mendilibar, who steered Sevilla last season, faces a Valencia side eager to reassert itself after a period of transition.
The Basque coach sees his squad confront changes, including departures and the reshaping of the roster under a new leadership. The side’s plans include integrating talents like Edinson Cavani among others, while Perez and other midfield reinforcements look to add depth to the engine room.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid
Real Madrid starts Saturday with a squad aiming to build on recent preparations, having faced strong opponents in friendlies. Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI will be tested in San Mamés, without a few key players through injury. The team’s new signings—Gündoğan and others—will be in the spotlight as the league kicks off.
The trip to Bilbao comes after a pre-season that included competitive fixtures against Manchester United and Juventus. Madrid looks to balance recovery from injuries with fresh energy as the season unfolds.
Las Palmas vs. Mallorca
On Saturday, Real Sociedad faces Girona while Las Palmas takes on Mallorca. Gran Canaria’s return to the top flight after five years comes with reinforcements, including Munir El Haddadi and Julián Araujo, to bolster their attack and defense.
Francisco J. García Pimienta’s squad will test the path ahead as Javier Aguirre’s side begins their campaign with a mix of youth and experience. New faces like Larín, Toni Lato, Omar Mascarell, and Siebe Van der Heyden add to the options available to the managers.
Real Sociedad vs. Girona
In San Sebastián, Imanol Alguacil envisions a season of progress mirroring last year’s ascent. The Catalan clubs enter with confidence after a productive pre-season, which included Artem Dovbyk’s debut and several positive results against top teams.
Getafe vs. Barcelona
Sunday marks Barcelona’s first away test at Getafe, following a convincing display in the Gamper match against Tottenham. The team showcases a blend of youth and experience, with Ansu Fati and teammates driving a dynamic attack as Xavi Hernández refines the system.
Getafe arrives prepared, while Betis assesses the future of players like Sergi Altimira and Mauro Arambarri. Luis Milla continues to work through injury concerns as the squad builds toward the season’s grind.
Celta Vigo vs. Osasuna
Rafa Benítez’s return to La Liga captures attention as Celta Vigo hosts Osasuna. The Vigo project centers on stability and growth, with a coaching staff focused on solidifying the defense and creating chances up front.
Eleven prospects stand out as Jagoba Arrasate’s Osasuna seeks consistency after a season of ups and downs, aiming for a strong start and momentum through the early fixtures.
Villarreal vs. Betis
Betis travels to Villarreal in a clash that may shape early standings. The start brings new tactical wrinkles and adjustments as Manuel Pellegrini negotiates injuries and a reshaped squad. The Chilean manager has driven Betis to European contention in consecutive seasons.
Cádiz vs. Alavés
Other rising teams, Alavés and Granada, begin their campaigns with matches scheduled later in the week. Cadiz hosts Alavés while Atlético Madrid awaits in the following Monday fixture, a reminder that the league’s rhythm is relentless.
Atlético Madrid vs. Granada
Atlético Madrid opens with Diego Simeone guiding a squad infused with new faces, including César Azpilicueta, Soyuncu, and Javi Galán, while familiar names like Samuel Lino and Rodrigo Riquelme return to the fold. The coach’s aim is a strong start against Granada, led by Paco López, as the season gathers pace.