The third day of LaLiga Santander launches this Friday with three major contenders in the running: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. Each club is pursuing different strategies and facing varied challenges as the season unfolds.
The centerpiece of the round arrives this Monday at Mestalla, where Valencia hosts Atlético Madrid. It doubles as a marquee clash, bringing together old rivals and a history of dramatic moments. The touchline duel features a rare matchup between two coaches with storied pasts, as Simeone and Gattuso meet for the first time in the dugout.
Both teams arrive with points on the board and a stronger scoring outlook than in past seasons. Atlético endured a 0-2 defeat to Villarreal in their first match at the Civitas Metropolitano, a result that sparked controversy. Valencia, meanwhile, dropped a narrow 1-0 decision at San Mamés in a game that kept fans on edge.
Colo was unable to rely on Nahuel Molina, one of his key signings, and Álex was suspended after a challenge on Baena. Savic faced an injury issue, and he will miss the match against Real Sociedad. Rhino must adjust his squad after Hugo Duro was unwell for the Athletic Club game and Valencia captain Jose Gayà faces his third league suspension of the season.
Barcelona will welcome Valladolid, managed by Pacheta, to the Spotify Camp Nou. A 4-1 victory at Real Sociedad last week signaled a strong start, but more challenges lie ahead. Xavi Hernandez’s side produced an exhilarating away win at Anoeta, with Lewandowski delivering the decisive moments and Ansu Fati showing signs of fitness recovery while Sergio Busquets played a crucial role after an earlier stoppage. Koundé remains unavailable due to non-registration for the clash with Valladolid.
Valladolid endured a tough start, having lost 3-0 to Villarreal at home. Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán offered a better performance for them in the following days as they earned a valuable point, and coach Can will push to push further and claim three points against Barcelona to ignite their campaign.
Real Madrid will continue their season away from the Santiago Bernabéu while their home stadium undergoes a short refurbishment. They head to Espanyol with confidence after two league wins, including a commanding display against Celta at Balaídos, highlighted by Vini Jr. delivering moments of magic in the season opener.
Carlo Ancelotti is set to supervise nearly the entire squad, with the exception of Nacho who remains unavailable due to a thigh issue while the Catalan rival awaits the clash at RCDE Stadium, a venue where Madrid previously faced a setback. The defending champions aim to pick up points at Cornellá and keep their momentum strong.
If current champions want a positive result from Cornellá, they must overcome a stubborn rival. Diego Martínez faces a tricky start after a home defeat to Rayo Vallecano and ongoing injuries to Pedrosa, Lozano and RDT. The depth of the squad will be tested as the season accelerates.
Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla must stay calm if they want to regain form from last season. They will need to shake off a recent loss to Osasuna and a draw with Valladolid at home. The absence of Argentine Acuña and the sidelining of Suso and Tecatito Corona add to the puzzle as they prepare for a match against a Valladolid side seeking consistency.
Sevilla will also face a tough test against Almería, a team that caused Real Madrid some concern at the season’s start with a compact display and a tough draw with Elche in their opener. The early results have put stress on all teams as they chase progress.
Real Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, and Osasuna will host each other in a match that doubles as a test of early-season form. Betis has been among the league’s early leaders, while Osasuna looks to capitalize on momentum from two solid starts as they meet at Benabéstatin Villamarín, a venue known for competitive battles.
Along with Betis, Girona faces Celta in a Friday kickoff that will reveal how both teams adapt to different rhythms. Celta aims to sustain the positive energy from their early performances in Vigo, while Girona continues to add wins after defeating Getafe 3-1 in Montilivi.
On Saturday, Real Sociedad takes the field minus Sweden striker Isak, who moved to Newcastle United for a substantial fee this window. They face Elche, who will seek their first win of the campaign at home. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano returns to Vallecas to extend their good run against Mallorca, who are still seeking consistency under Quique Setien’s style.
Sunday features a Villarreal side that has shown true consistency at the start of the season, while Getafe visit the league’s standings hoping for improvement. Cadiz hosts Athletic Club at Nuevo Mirandilla on Monday, while Valencia and Atlético Madrid round out the day with a high-stakes clash that could reshape confidence levels for both sides.
Program of the 3rd day:
Friday 26:
20:00: Girona-Celta de Vigo
22:00: Betis-Osasuna
Saturday 27:
17:30: Elche-Royal Society
19:30: Rayo Vallecano – Mallorca
22:00: Almeria-Seville
28 Sunday:
17:30: Getafe-Villarreal
19:30: Barcelona-Valladolid
22:00: Spain-Real Madrid
Monday 29:
20:00: Cadiz-Athletic Club
22:00: Valencia-Athletic Madrid