Real Madrid's LaLiga season opener: Espanyol away on August 22

Real Madrid under José Mourinho will kick off their 2026-27 LaLiga campaign on Saturday, August 22 at Espanyol, according to MARCA. While not the opening fixture, it will be the club's first official match of the season after pre-season preparation.

The calendar adjustment comes due to the summer world tournament scheduling. Just days later, on August 26, the team will visit Real Sociedad in what amounts to their second opening round fixture, with a tight schedule to follow.

Before these league games, Madrid will complete their warm-up with two friendlies: August 12 against Deportivo de la Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy, and August 16 against Schalke 04. Mourinho aims to arrive at those opening commitments with tactical sharpness to push for the title from the start.