Real Madrid open La Liga Matchday 4 on Friday, 5 September when José Mourinho's side travels to Estadio de la Cartuja to face Real Betis in what shapes up as their toughest assignment of the young 2026-27 La Liga season. Madrid arrive on the back of a blistering start — 10 goals in three matches — with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham both in commanding form.

Real Madrid vs Real Betis: Friday's Curtain-Raiser

Betis opened the campaign with back-to-back 1-0 victories before suffering a heavy 5-2 reverse at Levante last weekend, making Friday's home fixture a must-respond moment for the Seville club. They completed the deadline-day capture of Dani Ceballos, who terminated his Real Madrid contract, but the 30-year-old is reportedly short of match fitness and is unlikely to feature. The Andalusian heat at La Cartuja is expected to add an extra edge to proceedings.

Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid: Saturday's Standout Clash

Athletic Bilbao host Atletico Madrid at San Mamés in Saturday's marquee fixture. Athletic's 2-0 win at Celta Vigo last week demonstrated their growing cohesion under new coach Edin Terzic, though Terzic may reconsider his characteristically high defensive line against an Atletico outfit well-equipped to punish on the counter through Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone. A key variable is whether Julián Álvarez is available, having remained at the club after the transfer window closed without a move materialising.

Other Saturday Fixtures

Rayo Vallecano continue their makeshift start to the season — playing away from their Vallecas Stadium while renovation work continues — as they face Racing Santander in Leganés. Racing arrive with momentum after a spirited 3-2 win over Elche last weekend.

Villarreal, under coach Íñigo Pérez, play their first home game of the campaign seeking a first win after two draws and a surprise defeat to Alavés. They host Deportivo La Coruña, a fixture that could hand debuts to new signings José Giménez and Marc Casado, who arrived from Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively.

FC Barcelona Travel to Valencia on Sunday

Reigning champions FC Barcelona visit Valencia on Sunday, having scored 12 goals in their opening three fixtures. New arrival Anthony Gordon has settled in quickly, and Barcelona will be heavy favourites against a Valencia side that has managed only one draw and two defeats so far. Valencia coach Carlos Corberan will hope that deadline-day signing Harvey Elliott, acquired from Liverpool, can inject quality in midfield.

Also on Sunday, Alavés take on Osasuna in a meeting of two defensively disciplined sides, while Málaga host an in-form Levante at La Rosaleda. Espanyol seek a home lift against Sevilla, whose perfect start was ended by Atletico Madrid.

Monday Wrap-Up: Getafe, Celta, Elche, Real Sociedad

The weekend's action concludes on Monday with Getafe hosting a Celta Vigo side that has looked vulnerable defensively. Elche, dealing with both a leaky backline and the departure of David Affengruber, visit a Real Sociedad team dangerous on the break. Both fixtures carry relegation-zone implications given the early-season standings.