The opening weekend of the 2026/27 La Liga season has already delivered plenty of drama, even with several of the league’s heavyweights waiting to play their first matches later this week. Here is a look at the major talking points from the first few days of action:
Racing Santander’s Emotional, Electric Return
In what was arguably the match of the weekend, newly promoted Racing Santander welcomed top-flight football back to El Sardinero with a breathtaking opening half against Villarreal. Racing came out flying, taking a 2-0 lead within 34 minutes thanks to an Andrés Martín penalty and a stunning strike from Sergio. While Villarreal eventually fought back to secure a 2-2 draw, Racing’s relentless energy and perfect opening 45 minutes proved they are more than ready to compete in the top tier. And for Villarreal this match proved a stark reminder of what’s missing at the back.
Sevilla Survives a Scare from the Spot
Things looked bleak early on for Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. A defensive error by debutant Arouna Sangante just four minutes into the match allowed Rayo Vallecano’s Alvaro Garcia to steal the ball and give the visitors a shocking 1-0 lead. Rayo defended deep and frustrated the hosts for much of the game, but Sevilla’s persistence paid off. Following a VAR review, Jon Guridi leveled the match with a 52nd-minute penalty, and Sevilla completed the 2-1 comeback deep into stoppage time with a second converted penalty. So maybe Sevilla can get back to being a top side this season instead of flirting with relegation…maybe???
Alavés and Espanyol Make Early Statements
If goal difference is any early indicator, Deportivo Alavés and Espanyol are thrilled with their starts.
Alavés 3–0 Getafe: Alavés ruthlessly dispatched Getafe, fueled by a brilliant performance from Mariano Díaz, who tallied a goal and two assists.
Espanyol 3–0 Levante: In a clash of historic clubs, Espanyol protected their home turf with an emphatic victory, instantly boosting their confidence for the long campaign ahead.
Aubameyang Opens His Account
Deportivo La Coruña also made their return to La Liga, hosting Elche at the Riazor. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the highlight for the home fans was seeing veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is now 37 yet still scores everywhere he goes openned his account early, scoring in the 21st minute before Elche equalized late in the second half.
The Heavyweights Wait in the Wings
Due to scheduling, the traditional title contenders have yet to take the pitch. Atlético Madrid won’t play until Wednesday, August 19, when they face Málaga. Meanwhile, Real Madrid (visiting Espanyol) and Barcelona (hosting Athletic Club) will finally get their campaigns underway later in the month.
ESPN in Spain for Real Madrid and Barcelona on ABC
ESPN will travel to Barcelona and Alicante for extensive on-site coverage surrounding the consecutive ABC presentations.
Ian Darke and Stewart Robson will call RCD Espanyol-Real Madrid from Barcelona on Saturday, Aug. 22. Darke and Robson will then travel to Alicante with ESPN FC host Dan Thomas and analysts Alejandro Moreno and Luis Garcia for Elche-Barcelona on Sunday, Aug. 23. Reporters Sid Lowe and Gemma Soler will contribute from the field for both matches.
Fernando Palomo and Eduardo Biscayart will call both matches in Spanish for ESPN Deportes.
ESPN FC will provide matchday studio coverage from Spain surrounding each ABC presentation, with Thomas, Moreno and Garcia delivering analysis before and after the matches.
Midweek coverage continues with Real Madrid-Real Sociedad on Aug. 26 and Barcelona-Athletic Club on Aug. 27, with both matches streaming in English and Spanish on ESPN+ and Disney+, and airing on ESPN Deportes.
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