EXPLAINERPredictions, news and transfers ahead of the new La Liga season, as Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their title rivalry.Spain’s top-flight league, La Liga, kicks off the 2026-27 European football season on Saturday, as several players return to club duty less than a month after the FIFA World Cup ended.Barcelona, whose eight players were part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, enter this campaign with hopes of completing a “three-peat” of league titles after winning the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘Football belongs to no individual’: UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF slam Infantinolist 2 of 3Jeff Bezos consortium nears deal to buy stake in Liverpool FC: Reportslist 3 of 3PSG vs Aston Villa in UEFA Super Cup – all you need to knowend of listHowever, their archrivals Real Madrid have a seasoned manager – Jose Mourinho – at the helm this time out, and will look to rediscover their winning pedigree after going two seasons without a major trophy.While all eyes will be on the title tussle between Barca and Real again, they are not in action in the first round of fixtures, which features seven matches and is headlined by Atletico Madrid.Al Jazeera breaks down the new La Liga season:Real Madrid fans will hope Jose Mourinho, also called the ‘Special One’, will bring them back to glory days [Pedro Rocha/AP]When does the new La Liga season start?The 2026-27 La Liga season begins on Saturday, August 15, with two matches on the opening day.Further round one matches are also scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.La Liga first round matches and schedule