LALIGA’s second matchday brings another packed programme of Spanish football, with title contenders, European hopefuls and newly promoted sides all looking to build early momentum. And with Barcelona adding Rodri to an already formidable squad, the champions have made an emphatic statement of intent.
The Spain international has made the high-profile move from Manchester City to Barcelona in a deal reported to be worth around €70 million, returning to his homeland after seven trophy-laden seasons in England. Rodri’s arrival gives Hansi Flick an elite holding midfielder and another World Cup-winning presence in the heart of his side.
Barcelona travel to Elche on Sunday night, and while Rodri’s involvement will depend on his readiness, the focus will be firmly on a side aiming to defend its crown. Elche, meanwhile, will relish the opportunity to test themselves against the champions.
Real Madrid also face a fascinating away assignment when Jose Mourinho takes his second-tenure side to Espanyol on Saturday. The Portuguese coach has already underlined his emotional connection with the club, saying: “Working for Real Madrid is an honour and a responsibility. I really like this concept. It’s not about working at Real Madrid, it’s about working for Real Madrid. And it’s with this sense of mission that I’m here.”
Mourinho’s return adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling title race, and Espanyol will be determined to make life uncomfortable for Los Blancos.
Sunday’s other heavyweight fixture sees Atletico Madrid host Villarreal. Diego Simeone’s side will expect to challenge near the summit, but Villarreal have ambitions of their own and should provide a stern examination at the Metropolitano.
There is plenty more to savour across the weekend. Rayo Vallecano host Alaves on Thursday, before Real Betis welcome Real Sociedad on Friday. Saturday begins with Athletic Club against Sevilla before Valencia meet Celta Vigo, while Sunday also brings Getafe against newly promoted Racing Santander.
The promoted clubs are particularly intriguing this season. Levante face Osasuna on Monday, with coach Luis Castro under no illusions about the challenge ahead. “You can expect, once again, hard work. A club that will have one of the lowest budgets in LaLiga,” he said, stressing the financial restrictions facing the club.
Castro, however, insists survival is achievable: “I know the club will work to the maximum, give everything. Everyone is aligned with the same goal. We know it won’t be easy, but we know we can achieve it.”
Monday’s finale sees Malaga host Deportivo, another meeting between historic clubs back among Spain’s elite.
From Rodri’s blockbuster arrival to Mourinho’s Madrid revival and the fight for survival, Matchday 2 offers a compelling snapshot of a LALIGA season already packed with storylines.
Broadcast details
Times CAT
LALIGA, Matchday 2
Thursday 20 August
21:00: Rayo v Alaves – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 3
Friday 21 August
21:00: Betis v Sociedad – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
Saturday 22 August
17:00: Athletic v Sevilla – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
19:30: Valencia v Celta – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
21:30: Espanyol v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
Sunday 23 August
17:00: Atletico v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
19:30: Getafe v Racing – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
21:30: Elche v Barcelona – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
Monday 24 August
19:30: Osasuna v Levante – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
21:30: Malaga v Deportivo – LIVE on SuperSport LALIGA and SuperSport Maximo 3
