LaLiga 2025/26: Calendar, Controversies, and Early Rounds Under the New Era

The 2025/26 LaLiga season has officially begun, bringing with it changes and controversies that are already shaping the competition across the First Division, lower tiers, and women’s leagues. This year, the tournament features calendar updates, administrative disputes, and the implementation of a contentious low-cost video refereeing system.

Calendar and Key Matches at the Start of LaLiga 25/26

The season’s schedule kicked off on August 15 with an intriguing Girona vs. Rayo Vallecano, alongside Real Oviedo’s return to the First Division, facing Villarreal at La Cerámica. The reigning champions, FC Barcelona, began their title defense with a clash at Son Moix against Mallorca, while Xabi Alonso’s new-look Real Madrid made their debut on August 19 at home against Osasuna.

Among the most anticipated fixtures are the El Clásico matches—Real Madrid vs. Barcelona on October 26 at the Bernabéu and the return leg on May 10 in Barcelona—as well as derbies like Atlético vs. Real Madrid and regional clashes in Valencia, Sevilla, and Barcelona. Matchday 8, now confirmed, includes a Saturday showdown with Real Madrid hosting Villarreal and a Sunday featuring Barcelona at Sevilla and Atlético taking on Celta in Vigo.

Controversy in Barça-Valencia: LaLiga and Tebas’ Concessions to Laporta

This season has also opened an institutionally turbulent phase. LaLiga, under Javier Tebas’ leadership, has exposed tensions between clubs over special concessions. Specifically, the approval for Joan Laporta’s FC Barcelona to play their match against Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium has sparked widespread discontent among rival teams, who have announced legal challenges against the decision, arguing it violates competitive fairness. This situation highlights ongoing friction in league governance and the push for equality among affected clubs.

'Low-Cost VAR' Sparks Doubts in Liga F and Primera RFEF

Another major talking point this season is the rollout of Football Video Support (FVS), a FIFA-approved video refereeing system designed to fit the budget constraints of Liga F and Primera RFEF. However, its introduction has been far from smooth. Matches have suffered from lengthy delays, technical glitches, and errors due to insufficient cameras and resources, frustrating coaches and players alike.

Beatriz Álvarez, president of Liga F, acknowledged, “There are details we need to refine” after the system’s widespread use in recent games. However, critics like Fredi Álvarez, coach of Celta Fortuna, have been blunt: “A half-baked tool isn’t the answer. It won’t help—it just undermines the spectacle.”

Looking Ahead: LaLiga’s Challenges

LaLiga 2025/26 promises a thrilling season in Spain’s top flight and lower divisions. With an exciting calendar packed with high-stakes clasicos and derbies, alongside ongoing scrutiny over refereeing standards and league decisions, Spanish football faces both sporting and structural challenges.

Fans are set for a season of intense engagement—not just for the passion of the game, but also to see how the tournament evolves in terms of fair play and organizational quality. As the season progresses, the narrative of a league striving for growth while balancing competitiveness and equity will unfold.