Real Madrid's LaLiga debut: Espanyol away on August 22nd

Real Madrid under José Mourinho will play their first official match of the 2026-27 LaLiga season away at Espanyol on Saturday, August 22nd, according to MARCA. It's a demanding away debut that marks the beginning of the club's new sporting project following preseason.

This scheduling adjustment stems from calendar constraints following the summer World tournament. Consequently, the first matchday fixture against Real Sociedad will be played just days later, specifically on Wednesday, August 26th, making for a compressed start for the Madrid side.

Warm-up matches first

Before these League commitments, Real Madrid will play two friendlies: one against Deportivo de la Coruña for the Teresa Herrera Trophy on Wednesday, August 12th, and another versus Schalke 04 on Sunday, August 16th.

Mourinho faces these first official tests with the squad practically complete for the new campaign. After solid preseason preparation, the team arrives with maximum demands to earn three points from the outset and compete for the title throughout the 38-match season.