LaLiga 2025-26: Three matches to watch out for in the first week of January

FC Barcelona will be in action against Espanyol this week. Image | FC Barcelona

Koushik Biswas

Last Updated: 06.11 PM, Jan 02, 2026

The holiday season might be winding down, but for football fans in Spain, the temperature is just reaching a boiling point. As we enter the first week of January 2026, La Liga returns from its brief winter hiatus with a fixture list that could define the title race. With Barcelona holding a slender four-point lead over Real Madrid, and Atletico de Madrid lurking in third, every blade of grass will be contested. Here are the three marquee matches you cannot afford to miss in the opening week of 2026.

Watch the LaLiga 2025-26 2026 series with OTTplay Premium. Get JioHotstar, Fancode, SonyLIV, and enjoy every sport available on those apps in a single platform.

1. RCD Espanyol vs. FC Barcelona (Derbi Barceloní)

Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Time: 1.30 AM IST

The plot: The year kicks off with the fiercest rivalry in Catalonia. Espanyol, currently enjoying a top-five resurgence this season, would love nothing more than to derail Barcelona’s title charge. For Hansi Flick’s Barça, this is a test of nerves. After a dominant 2025, can they maintain their rhythm in the hostile atmosphere of the RCDE Stadium?

Key battle: Lamine Yamal vs. Espanyol’s low-block defense will be a key battle. Moreover, with the return of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in red form, the battle for the attacking position within the Barcelona team will be a battle to watch out for as well.

2. Real Madrid vs. Real Betis

Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Time: 8:45 PM IST

The plot: Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid starts the year at the Bernabéu under significant pressure. With news of Kylian Mbappé sidelined with a knee sprain, the spotlight shifts to Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham to carry the scoring load.

Real Betis, currently 6th, are notorious for their technical brilliance and have a history of frustrating Madrid at home.

Key battle: Jude Bellingham vs. Isco, the battle of the creative masters can decide the fate of the match, with Real Madrid boasting a powerhouse of attacking stars.

3. Real Sociedad vs. Atletico de Madrid

Date: Sunday, January 5, 2026

Time: 1:30 AM IST

The plot: This will be a late-night thriller in San Sebastián. Real Sociedad has struggled for consistency this term, sitting mid-table, but the Reale Arena remains a fortress.

Diego Simeone’s Atleti, only five points off the top, know that a win here is non-negotiable if they want to turn the title race into a three-horse sprint.

Key battle: Antoine Griezmann’s homecoming vs. Sociedad’s disciplined backline will be a mouthwatering battle in the match. Julian Alvarez’s form could also decide Atletico’s fate.

How to watch in India

For fans in the subcontinent, the early January schedule means several late-night sessions. You can catch all the action on FanCode via OTTplay Premium.

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