LaLiga 2025/26: Intense fixtures mark the return of the second half of the season

The second half of LaLiga 2025/26 has begun with high expectations, featuring matches that will define the trajectories of several teams in both the first and second divisions. Real Madrid kicks off this chapter by hosting Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium this Saturday, January 17, at 14:00, in a match corresponding to Matchday 20. The Merengues aim to secure their fifteenth win in the championship and maintain pressure in the title race against a Levante side that arrives undefeated in their last three games.

Real Madrid aims to stay strong at home

Manager Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed in a press conference the significant absences his squad will face for this match, with seven players unavailable, including five defenders: «We want to return to our stadium and continue the fight for the League.» Forward Kylian Mbappé will be present and will look to extend his lead as the competition’s top scorer with 18 goals. This match is also the first of two consecutive home games for Real Madrid, who will soon host Monaco in the Champions League.

Levante aims to pull off an upset

Although Levante sits second-to-last in the table with 18 points—from 3 wins, 5 draws, and 10 losses—their recent good form, including three unbeaten matches (highlighted by a 3-0 away win against Sevilla), gives them confidence to face the mighty Real Madrid with clear aspirations of securing points on the road.

High-stakes clash: Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona

On Sunday, January 18, at 17:00, Real Sociedad will take on FC Barcelona in a crucial Matchday 20 encounter in LaLiga 2025. Both teams will seek three vital points in the battle for the top spots and European qualification. LaLiga features 20 teams in a round-robin format, with 38 matchdays determining the champion, relegations, and European berths.

Distribution of European spots in Spain

Spain has seven UEFA 2026 tournament spots: the top four qualify for the Champions League, while the fifth-placed team and Copa del Rey winner enter the Europa League. The sixth-placed team earns a Conference League playoff spot. This distribution may change based on Copa and international tournament results, keeping excitement alive until the season’s end.

Segunda División: Cultural and Sporting seek a turnaround

In Segunda División, Cultural Leonesa and Sporting Gijón face off in a key clash on Saturday, January 17, at 16:15 at Estadio Reino de León, part of Matchday 22 in Liga Hypermotion. Both clubs seek a decisive reaction to improve their standings after complicated runs under managers Ziganda and Borja Jiménez, respectively.

How to follow the matches

The Cultural-Sporting match can be watched live on LaLiga TV Hypermotion and streamed via As.com, with live minute-by-minute updates. The Real Madrid vs. Levante game will air on Orange TV and Movistar LaLiga, while Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona will have extensive online coverage for fans.

Beyond Spain: Liga MX also in action

Internationally, Liga MX offers an intense showdown between Tigres and Toluca at the iconic "Volcán" Universitario. The match, played Saturday at 20:00 ET (19:00 local time), stands out due to the rivalry and ambitions of both teams aiming to solidify their strength in the Mexican tournament. Broadcasts include Azteca 7, Prime Video México, and Fox Sports, among others.

The LaLiga matchday and related leagues showcase the intensity and passion of football at the start of 2026. While Real Madrid and Barcelona seek to assert their dominance in the race for titles and European qualification, teams like Cultural, Sporting, and rivals from other leagues keep the competitive spirit alive, making this season a must-watch for fans and pundits alike.