Real Madrid to open La Liga season away at Espanyol
La Liga has released the 2026-2027 calendar, with José Mourinho's Real Madrid opening the season away at RCD Espanyol on August 22.
The Spanish football federation has released the official fixture list for the 2026-2027 La Liga season, and matchday one brings a tricky test for Real Madrid, who will open away against Espanyol on August 22.
Portuguese coach José Mourinho is hoping for a strong start after a preseason that included several friendlies, most recently a draw against Fiorentina, as the club prepares for a campaign in which it aims to reclaim the league title.
Although Espanyol aren't among the league's traditional heavyweights, an opening-day trip away from the Santiago Bernabéu is always a genuine test for the bigger clubs at the start of a season, especially given the electric atmosphere the Catalan club's supporters can create.
Real Madrid fans are eager to see which starting lineup Mourinho picks for the season's first official fixture, with questions remaining over the sharpness of several players who were given extra rest after their involvement in the 2026 World Cup.
