24th August 2026 – (Madrid) FC Barcelona started their La Liga title defence with a commanding 5-0 victory away to Elche on Sunday. The visitors took the lead early on from the penalty spot through Raphinha, who later set up Karim Adeyemi to add a second goal before the interval. Debutant Anthony Gordon made a notable impact after coming on as a substitute, providing two crucial assists. He helped Raphinha secure his brace and then enabled Fermin Lopez to convert Barcelona’s fourth goal of the night. Lopez capped the scoring with a well-taken individual effort in the 79th minute, underlining the team’s dominant performance.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid’s home fixture against Villarreal was marked by tension and a dramatic finish. Striker Julian Alvarez, who has indicated his intention to leave Atletico, was met with audible displeasure from the home crowd as his name was announced prior to kick-off. Atletico initially went ahead thanks to an impressive strike from Marc Pubill, but Villarreal responded with two converted penalties. Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze found the net from the spot, with Robin Le Normand shown a red card following a foul on Mikautadze. Giuliano Simeone salvaged a point for Atletico Madrid with a solo goal in the closing stages, ensuring the match ended level.
In another contest on Sunday, Getafe secured a 1-0 win over Racing Santander courtesy of an 81st-minute goal from Enes Unal. The round will continue with Osasuna welcoming Levante, and Malaga taking on Deportivo La Coruna in a match featuring two newly promoted sides on Monday evening.