La Liga kicks off this week and the Spanish top flight has plenty to look forward to this season with Kylian Mbappé. Endrik and Julian Alvarez are all arriving this summer. The French superstar is arguably the best player in the world right now and he is is expected to debut in the UEFA Super Cup this midweek before getting his first taste of domestic football this weekend. The Argentina international could also be in line for a debut for Diego Simeone’s side, as Atleti are not scheduled to play until next Monday. Nico Williams has been one of the big names on people’s lips since UEFA Euro 2024 and is expected to start the new campaign with Athletics club on Thursday. There will also be a heavyweight clash between two historic Spanish giants in the opening round of matches on Saturday.
We look at the most important pregame topics in La Liga.
Kylian Mbappé’s debut
- Date: Sunday August 18 | Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Estadi Son Moix — MallorcaSpain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
There’s no other place to start with Mbappe’s Real debut this midweek big news, but his potential Spanish top flight is equally exciting. Carlo Ancelotti’s side start the season with a trip to RCD Mallorca on Sunday, so the France international will have to wait a little longer before making his first appearance with Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu. Judging by the crowds that greeted him in the Spanish capital for his unveiling, it will be quite an event when it finally happens. But between Atalanta BC in the UEFA Super Cup and Mallorca in La Liga, it’s finally time for Real supporters to get excited about finally seeing Mbappe in action alongside the likes of Vini Jr. Judas Bellingham.
Julian Alvarez’s debut
- Date: Monday August 19 | Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Estadio de la Ceramica — VillarrealSpain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Mbappe may not be the only high-profile debutant to make his first appearance in this opening round of La Liga matches, with Julian Alvarez now a Atletico Madrid player after completing his move from Manchester City. The Argentina international has had a busy summer with Copa America and Olympic activities, so it should not be taken for granted that the 24-year-old will immediately find his way into Diego Simeone’s starting XI. Atleti will be keen to bring him in sooner rather than later, as his final cost could ultimately top $100 million, but they will also need to be careful not to rush him into action too soon, given that he has had a near-constant spell for over a calendar year played. now. With the trip to Villarreal next Monday. This could be one to keep an eye on.
Nico Williams is watching
- Date: Thursday August 15 | Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Estadio San Mames – Bilbao, Spain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
One of the first teams in action this week now that La Liga is starting again is Athletic Club. Nico Williams returns as a hero after helping Spain to UEFA Euro 2024 success in Germany this summer. A number of clubs across Europe have taken note of this, including Barcelona who have already sprung into action to land another La Roja revelation in RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo. While there is no guarantee that Williams will end up at the Catalan giants, they are likely to continue their attempts to land the Basque star into the summer window. So get the most out of the 22-year-old at Los Leones now, or keep an eye on what could be his final few games with Ernesto Valverde’s side – starting with Getafe on Thursday.
Barca’s opening match
- Date: Saturday August 17 | Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Mestalla-Valencia, Spain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
As for Barca themselves, Hansi Flick’s side start their season against Valencia on Saturday, a Spanish top-flight match full of tradition, despite some difficult times for Los Che. The German tactician was a surprise choice to succeed departure to the club had returned. discover he cannot be registered immediately until a failed financial deal is rectified, which may not happen in time for Valencia’s match on Sunday.
