ADVERTISEMENTS

How to catch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano, Almería vs Real Madrid and more on matchday 1 in La Liga

After a long wait, the 2022/23 La Liga season finally gets underway on Friday, August 12th as Osasuna welcome Sevilla. However, many fans will be looking forward to this weekend, as teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid will all be in action as they take on Rayo Vallecano, Almería, and Getafe respectively.

Last season saw Real Madrid win their 35th title, and Los Blancos will certainly be doing their utmost best to ensure that they make it a 36th win this year. However, there will be naturally quite a few sides, including Real Madrid's cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid as well as serial rivals Barcelona aiming to knock them off that perch, while others could emerge to try to upset the proverbial apple cart as the season progresses.

So, with all that in mind, let us have a look at what will be in store on matchday one of the 2022/23 La Liga season.

La Liga: Top matches to catch on matchday one

Osasuna vs Sevilla: The hosts finished in 10th place last term, which was enough to guarantee safety but nothing really to write home about. By contrast, Sevilla secured fourth spot, which will means that the all-time Europa League winners will be one of four La Liga teams taking part in the Champions League. This will be the season opener, and it's safe to say that both teams will be eager to get off the mark on Friday evening.

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: It has been a very busy summer for Barcelona, who have been one of the most active sides on the transfer market as the Blaugrana seek to get back to winning ways. Several of those players, including Robert Lewandowski, could be making their first full competitive debut this weekend as Xavi's men take on Rayo Vallecano, who finished in 12th spot last season, at the Camp Nou on Saturday evening.

Almería vs Real Madrid: Back in the top flight for the first time in seven years, Almería will have no time to get settled into life in La Liga as the minnows are set to welcome none other than reigning champions Real Madrid. To date, the hosts have only beaten Los Blancos once in their history, with that rare result taking place on February 2, 2008; since then, they have faced the Spanish powerhouse ten times, and have lost eight in eight of those meetings. And to compound matters, the newly promoted side will have to make do without a couple of players due to injury, while Carlo Ancelotti will have a pretty-much full-strength team for Sunday's game.

Getafe vs Atlético Madrid: Last season saw Atletico relinquish their league crown as Real Madrid clinched the title with four games to spare. Los Rojiblancos have had some departures this summer, with veteran striker Luis Suarez returning to his home country, but they have attempted to find a solution by bringing back Alvaro Morata from his loan deal with Juventus.

Team news for matchday one of the 2022/23 La Liga season

Here is the personnel report ahead of matchday one for the following teams:

*All info current as of 12 August

Real Madrid: No injuries or suspensions.

Barcelona: No injuries or suspensions.

Atletico Madrid: José María Giménez (Knock)

Sevilla: No injuries or suspensions.

Schedule and where to watch all fixtures on matchday one in La Liga

Here is how you can follow all the matches on matchday one in La Liga, from wherever you are based:

Autres nouvelles