La Liga gets underway this week and Spain’s topflight has plenty to look forward to this season with Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and Julian Alvarez all arriving this summer. The French superstar is arguably the best player in the world right now and is expected to debut this midweek in the UEFA Super Cup before getting his first taste of domestic soccer this weekend. The Argentina international could also be in line to debut with Diego Simeone’s side given that Atleti will not be in action until next Monday. Nico Williams has been one of the major names on people’s lips since UEFA Euro 2024 and is expected to start the new campaign with Athletic Club on Thursday. There is also a heavyweight clash between two historic Spanish giants straight off the bat in the opening round of games on Saturday.
We look at the major pregame topics in La Liga.
Kylian Mbappe’s debut
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 18 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Son Moix — Mallorca, Spain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
There is no other place to start with Mbappe’s Real debut this midweek big news but his potential Spanish topflight bow equally exciting. Carlo Ancelotti’s side start their season with a trip to RCD Mallorca on Sunday so the France international will have to wait a bit longer before appearing at Santiago Bernabeu for the first time with Los Blancos. Judging by the crowd that greeted him in the Spanish capital for his unveiling, it will be quite the event when it finally does happen. However, between Atalanta BC in the UEFA Super Cup and Mallorca in La Liga, it is finally time for Real supporters to get excited about seeing Mbappe finally in action alongside the likes of Vini Jr. and Jude Bellingham.
Julian Alvarez’s debut
- Date: Monday, Aug. 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de la Ceramica — Villarreal, Spain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Mbappe might not be the only high-profile debutant making his first appearance in this opening round of La Liga games with Julian Alvarez now an Atletico Madrid player after completing his move from Manchester City. The Argentina international has had a busy summer with Copa America and Olympic action so it should not be considered a given that the 24-year-old immediately goes into Diego Simeone’s starting XI. Atleti will be keen to use him sooner rather than later given that his ultimate cost could eventually rise beyond the $100 million mark but they also must be careful not to rush him into action too soon given how he has played almost continuously for over a calendar year now. With the trip to Villarreal coming next Monday. This could be one to keep an eye on.
Nico Williams watch
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 15 | Time: 1 p.m. 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 as La Liga gets back underway is Athletic Club with Nico Williams returning like a hero having helped Spain to UEFA Euro 2024 success in Germany this summer. A number of clubs across Europe have taken notice including Barcelona who have already moved to bring in another of La Roja’s revelations in Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. Although there is no guarantee that Williams ends up with the Catalan giants, they are likely to continue their attempts to land the Basque star until the summer window. So, either make the most of the 22-year-old with Los Leones now or keep an eye on what could prove to be his final few games with Ernesto Valverde’s side — starting with Getafe on Thursday.
Barca’s opening game
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 17 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Mestalla — Valencia, Spain
- TV: ESPN Deportes | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
As for Barca themselves, Hansi Flick’s side start their campaign against Valencia on Saturday which is a Spanish topflight matchup steeped with tradition despite some tough times for Los Che. The German tactician was a surprise choice to succeed Xavi as head coach and the silliness of the Blaugrana’s obsessional interest in Williams is perhaps best reflected by the fact that this game could and should be Olmo’s debut having returned to the club 10 years after leaving only to find that he cannot immediately be registered until a failed financial deal has been rectified which might not happen in time for the Valencia game on Sunday.
KVSP