La Liga‘s second round of fixtures brings three genuinely interesting matchups on Sunday as the 2026-27 season starts to find its shape. Atlético Madrid host Villarreal in a clash of two sides with real European ambitions, Getafe try to steady themselves at home against a promoted Racing Santander side that’s already turning heads, and Elche get a crack at defending champions Barcelona in their actual league opener. Expect competitive, cagey football across the board as coaches lean toward caution over flair this early in the season.
GettyAtleti face a tough home match against Villareal
Atlético Madrid Look to Build on Opening Win Against a Villarreal Side With Fight
Diego Simeone’s side will try to build on a 2-0 opening win over Málaga when they host Villarreal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Atlético are still without a fully fit central striker, with Alexander Sørloth sidelined by a muscle contracture, leaving Ademola Lookman to lead the line again. Villarreal, for their part, showed real character in their own opener, clawing back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Racing Santander, and they’ll look to hurt Atlético on the counter through the likes of Nicolás Pépé. The hosts’ intensity at home should eventually be the difference, but the Yellow Submarine won’t make it easy.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
Getafe Try to Regroup at Home After Rough Opening Weekend Loss
Getafe come into this one needing a response. José Bordalás’s side were reduced to 10 men and beaten 3-0 at Alavés to open the campaign, with Kiko Femenía sent off before halftime and the game unraveling late — a rough start for a team that usually prides itself on structure and physicality at the Coliseum. Racing Santander, meanwhile, held a 2-0 lead against Villarreal before ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw, and they’ll arrive with confidence rather than the nerves you’d expect from a newly promoted side. Getafe’s home advantage and Bordalás’s typically stubborn setup should count for something, but this looks like sets up as a low-scoring match where both sides will be cautious.
Prediction: Getafe 1-1 Racing Santander
Elche Host Barcelona in the Champions’ Season Opener
Barcelona begin their title defense on the road at Elche, who fought back for a credible 1-1 draw at Deportivo in their season opener, with Marc Aguado’s late equalizer answering an early Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal. Elche will likely sit deep and look to hit Barcelona on the break, but Hansi Flick’s side bring more than enough quality to break that down — even while still settling a few new faces into the squad and looking for a striker to replace Lewandowski and Ferran. Still, the attacking talent of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha should be enough to see Barcelona through once they find their rhythm.
Prediction: Elche 1-3 Barcelona
________________________________________________________
This is only the second round – and season opener for Barcelona – of a long league season, and squads are still finding their form after a demanding summer. Approach these predictions conservatively, and remember that no forecast in football is ever guaranteed. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.
La Liga Matchday 2 Preview/Predictions for Sunday, August 23: Barcelona and More