LaLiga kicks off: Barcelona, Real Madrid eye early wins

LaLiga Santander returned on Thursday (15 August) with a draw for Athletic Club, as the Williams brothers began their campaign with a 1-1 stalemate against Getafe.

Iñaki Williams captained Athletic, who took the lead through a stunning long-range effort from Oihan Sancet.

However, Getafe fought back in the second half, with Nigerian forward Christantus Uche equalising from a corner.

The other opening-day fixture saw Real Betis and Girona FC share the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

The weekend promises to be more exciting, with several high-profile clashes.

Barcelona begins the Flick era

Barcelona’s new era under German coach Hansi Flick begins on Saturday (17 August) with a trip to Valencia.

The Catalan giants have strengthened their squad with the signings of Pau Víctor and Dani Olmo as they aim to dethrone Real Madrid.

Despite Valencia’s ambition to qualify for Europe, Barcelona are expected to start their title challenge with a win.

Real Madrid out to impress

Real Madrid will be looking to make a statement when they host Mallorca on Sunday (18 August).

The departure of Nacho Fernández to Al Qadsiah FC has weakened their defence, but the signings of Endrick and Kylian Mbappé have bolstered their attacking options.

Despite Mallorca’s impressive record in opening-day fixtures, Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites.

Atlético Madrid’s big-spending plans

Atlético Madrid have made significant investments in their squad, bringing in Julián Álvarez, Robin Le Normand, and Alexander Sørloth.

They face a tough test against Villarreal on Monday (19 August), who have a strong record against their rivals.

A draw is the most likely outcome, as Atlético look to settle into their new-look team.

Other fixtures

• Celta Vigo vs. Deportivo Alavés (Friday)
• Las Palmas vs. Sevilla FC (Friday)
• Osasuna vs. Leganés (Saturday)
• Real Sociedad vs. Rayo Vallecano (Sunday)
• Real Valladolid vs. RCD Espanyol (Monday)

Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand

The post LaLiga kicks off: Barcelona, Real Madrid eye early wins appeared first on Asaase Radio.