The 2025-26 LaLiga EA Sports season lifted its curtain with a thrilling first round of matches spread from Friday to Tuesday. The league kicked off with the certainty that teams arrive hungry to prove their potential, and with the exciting emergence of young players who are ready to step into the spotlight.
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Friday full of debuts and solid wins
The initial whistle came on Friday, August 15. Rayo Vallecano opened the season with a convincing 3-1 win over Girona. The visitors showed verticality and attacking flair that stunned the Catalan side. This victory provides confidence for a squad aiming for a calmer mid-table finish after inconsistent campaigns.
That same night, Villarreal beat newly promoted Real Oviedo 2-0 at La Cerámica. The difference in experience and quality was clear, though Oviedo displayed courage in spells. The home fans enjoyed an efficient performance and now dream of pushing for European qualification.
Saturday dominated by Barça and balanced clashes
Saturday brought the first major statement. Barcelona demolished Mallorca 3-0 away from home in a game conditioned by two red cards for the hosts. Raphinha struck first, Ferran Torres doubled the lead, and the gifted Lamine Yamal sealed the victory in stoppage time. It was a match where Barça’s youth and academy power shone brightly in a hostile environment.
In Vitoria, Alavés snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Levante thanks to a stoppage-time goal. The match seemed destined for a draw until the Basque side found the breakthrough, sparking euphoria in Mendizorroza.
Meanwhile, Valencia and Real Sociedad drew 1-1 at Mestalla. The home team went ahead, but Take Kubo equalized, underlining his star role. Interestingly, his streak remains intact: every time he scores, his team never loses.
Sunday with Nico Williams stealing the show
Sunday offered the most excitement. In Vigo, Getafe stunned Celta with a 2-0 away win, executing a pragmatic and direct approach that once again showcased their defensive solidity.
The headline clash came at San Mamés, where Athletic Club defeated Sevilla 3-2 in arguably the best game of the weekend of LaLiga. Nico Williams was the undisputed star: he scored from the penalty spot, won another penalty, and delivered two assists. His spectacular performance earned him a standing ovation, confirming he is one of LaLiga’s most decisive players. Sevilla fought hard but defensive errors cost them dearly.
The upset of the weekend occurred in Cornellà. Espanyol, freshly promoted, beat Atlético de Madrid 2-1. Diego Simeone’s men looked unusually imprecise and were outmatched in intensity. The Argentine coach himself admitted it was “a first lesson” his squad must learn if they want to fight for the title.
Monday joy for Elche fans
Monday belonged to Elche CF, celebrating their return to LaLiga. They drew 1-1 with Real Betis in a festive Martínez Valero. The visitors went ahead in the second half, but Germán Valera equalized in the 81st minute, sending the home fans into raptures. It was a point full of meaning for a team intent on turning their stadium into a fortress.
Tuesday wrapped up at the Bernabéu
The round concluded on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid edged Osasuna 1-0. Kylian Mbappé was the hero of the night, calmly converting a penalty in the 51st minute. Osasuna’s discipline and defensive organization forced Xabi Alonso’s side to work harder than expected.
The debut of 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono was another highlight for Los Blancos. The Argentine teenager played with personality and showed glimpses of his quality. New signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen also impressed, displaying composure and defensive solidity under pressure.
SIA Academy and its reflection in LaLiga
This opening weekend sent a clear message: young talents are stepping forward. From Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, to Nico Williams in Bilbao, and Mastantuono in Madrid, LaLiga is increasingly embracing youth as the cornerstone of its future.
This mirrors the philosophy of SIA Academy, which focuses on developing players holistically — technically, physically, and mentally. The academy’s core values were echoed across Spain this weekend: self-confidence, daring performances in major stadiums, and readiness to transition into professional football.
When Nico Williams dominated at San Mamés, or when Mastantuono showed courage at the Bernabéu, one could easily draw a parallel with the mission of SIA: to nurture the next generation, instill competitive mentality, and prepare them for elite-level football.
To conclude, the opening round of LaLiga EA Sports 2025-26 delivered everything fans could hope for: big wins, upsets, standout individual displays, and rising stars. Barcelona underlined their firepower, Athletic leaned on the brilliance of Nico Williams, Espanyol shocked Atlético, and Real Madrid began their campaign on the right foot thanks to Mbappé.
Beyond the results, the tone has been set: this season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, blending established superstars with a new generation eager to take center stage. And in that dynamic future, the vision of institutions like SIA Academy is not just relevant but essential, shaping the players who will soon dominate LaLiga and beyond.
