Following the three-week international break, La Liga returns this weekend for Matchday 8, led by unbeaten Barcelona, who sit five points clear at the top of the table.
La Liga returns on Friday
Málaga vs. Espanyol (3:00 p.m. ET): Málaga are bottom of the table with just 3 points, a league-low three goals scored, and without a win. Espanyol will be favored heading into the match, remaining unbeaten in 14 encounters with Málaga, having won nine and drawn five.
Four games on Saturday, with Barcelona and Real Madrid in action
Action begins at 8:00 a.m. ET with Rayo Vallecano vs. Athletic Club, with Atlético Madrid visiting Alavés at 10:15 a.m. Saturday’s headline fixtures come in the afternoon.
Barcelona vs. Getafe (12:30 p.m.): Barcelona have won all seven matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding seven. Two of those wins were 5-0 away victories, at Elche and Valencia. Getafe have scored just one goal in their last five matches, and four in seven La Liga games.
Real Madrid vs. Villarreal (3:00 p.m.): Madrid are fourth with 15 points after losing two of their seven games. Real Madrid haven’t kept a clean sheet in five matches, while Villarreal scored at least twice in three of their five away matches this season.
Real Betis highlights the four Sunday matches
Elche vs. Celta Vigo (8:00 a.m.): Elche have lost all three home LaLiga matches this season, conceding 11 goals. Meanwhile, Celta have drawn all three away LaLiga matches this season, scoring just once.
Real Sociedad vs. Deportivo A Coruña (10:15 a.m.): Deportivo, promoted this season, are seventh with 10 points, with four draws from seven matches. Real Sociedad have won the last three H2H encounters by a combined 10-2.
Real Betis vs. Osasuna (12:30 p.m.): Betis are third on 16 points but have scored just nine goals, the fewest of any side in the top seven. Despite the low number of goals, Real Betis sit in third place — level on points with 2nd-place Atletico Madrid.
Racing Santander vs. Valencia (3:00 p.m.): Racing Santander haven’t kept a clean sheet in 17 matches, sitting in 16th place with just 7 points. A win would move Valencia above Racing Santander in the table, with the Blanquinegros in 19th place with 4 points.
Closing the round on Monday
Levante vs. Sevilla (3:00 p.m.): Sevilla are fifth with 13 points, but have lost two of their last five. Goals will be expected, with Levante’s two home matches this season producing 13 goals combined.
All La Liga matches are available to watch in the U.S. on ESPN+.
