La Liga 2026: Capital Clash at the Bernabéu and Tactical Draw in Valencia

Matchday 22 of La Liga 2026 promises high stakes with a highly anticipated Madrid derby pitting Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Merengues, currently in second place, arrive under pressure to bounce back after their crushing 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League, which knocked them out of the Round of 16.

This capital showdown will take place on Sunday, February 1, at 14:00 in the newly renovated Madrid coliseum, which now seats 80,000 spectators. The match will be officiated by Isidro Díaz de Mera, with David Gálvez Rascón overseeing VAR, ready to review any contentious plays. According to official sources, the game will be broadcast live on DAZN, the paid platform holding Spanish rights, and fans are encouraged to use the DAZN app for streaming.

For their part, Rayo Vallecano aims to capitalize on their rival’s vulnerable moment to climb out of the relegation zone. The Madrid derby never fails to deliver drama, and this clash is expected to be no different, with both teams hungry for a vital three points.

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid traveled to Levante at the Estadi Ciutat de València and settled for a 0-0 draw in a match filled with intensity, stoppages, and chances—but no goals for either side. Atlético made several changes due to injuries, including Julián Álvarez replacing Alexander Sørloth, in a game where both teams had clear opportunities to break the deadlock. The result reflected tactical balance and Levante’s resilience at home, securing a valuable point.

The match was defined by stout defending and missed opportunities, with players like Nico González, Koke, and Thiago Almada trying to create danger for Atlético, though none found the back of the net. Levante made substitutions to disrupt the flow but failed to tip the scales.

In another sporting realm, the Liga F (women’s league) has achieved a major visibility boost with its broadcasts now available on RTVE and Teledeporte. Starting February 7–8, Liga F Moeve will air up to four matches per week on free-to-air TV, increasing access to a competition featuring stars like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí. League president Beatriz Álvarez emphasizes that this partnership strengthens growth ambitions, generating greater interest and recognition for women’s football in Spain.

This new agreement, running until the end of the season, marks a decisive step toward professionalizing and popularizing Liga F—the only fully professional women’s football league in Spain. With rising viewership and institutional support, Teledeporte is betting on a high-quality product that opens women’s football to broader audiences, solidifying Liga F as a benchmark competition.

With La Liga in full swing, the coming days will be pivotal for Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in a high-pressure derby, while Atlético must regroup to reignite their title ambitions. The inclusion of Liga F on public broadcasters also promises to expand attention on Spanish football across all fronts, making the 2026 season one packed with content and sporting opportunities.