LaLiga Matchday 1 Roundup

Last Updated on August 18, 2025 10:18 am by Erwin Noguera

The 2025/26 LaLiga EA Sports season kicked off with an exciting first matchday full of results that are beginning to set the competitive tone for the championship. FC Barcelona, the reigning champions, got off to a flying start with a convincing performance that reaffirms their intentions to retain the title.

Among the surprises of the day was Rayo Vallecano, who secured a resounding victory against Girona. The Madrid-based side showed character and efficiency in attack, taking advantage of every opportunity to impose themselves with authority and send a clear message that they are not willing to be mere supporting actors in this campaign.

Villarreal also left a good impression after winning 2-0, displaying an organized and effective game that has their fans excited for the rest of the season. In contrast, Celta de Vigo suffered an unexpected setback at Balaídos, losing 0-2 to Getafe, a result that raises doubts about the Galician team and boosts the confidence of the Azulones.

With these first matches, LaLiga is off to a strong start, making it clear that every matchday will be a battle in the race for the title and survival.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the LaLiga EA Sports, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.

LaLiga Matchday 1 Roundup Games

LaLiga Matchday 1 Roundup: Girona vs. Rayo Vallecano

LaLiga 2025/26 kicked off with a match in which the star of the show, unfortunately for him, was Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentine had a nightmare first half, with his mistakes completely shaping the game against Rayo Vallecano.

First, a poor pass inside the area ended up at the feet of Jorge de Frutos, who made no mistake and opened the scoring with the goalkeeper’s involuntary assistance. Later, another poor clearance left the ball at the feet of the Rayo striker, who scored twice before half-time. To make matters worse, in another dangerous move, Gazzaniga lost control of the ball and brought down De Frutos to prevent a goal, which cost him a red card and sealed his team’s fate.

Girona, down to ten men from the first half and trailing on the scoreboard, never found a way to react, showing the same doubts and insecurities that they had carried over from last season. Although Joel Roca narrowed the gap in the second half, the damage was done, and Rayo’s solidity did not allow for any dreams of a comeback. The Vallecas side, with a clear game plan and remarkable intensity, took advantage of every mistake made by their opponents and started the season with a resounding victory that boosts their confidence, while the Catalans begin the campaign with a serious warning of everything they need to improve.

Result: Girona (1) – (3) Rayo Vallecano

LaLiga Matchday 1 Roundup: Mallorca vs. Barcelona

Barcelona began their title defense with a victory in Mallorca marked by controversy. Raphinha opened the scoring very early on, following a great cross from Lamine Yamal, but the most controversial moment came with the second goal, scored by Ferran Torres.

In the previous play, Raíllo fell to the ground after a 50-50 ball, and although the referee hesitated to stop the game as per protocol, he decided to let play continue. The home players stood still waiting for the interruption, and Ferran took advantage to fire a shot from outside the area.

The decision sparked anger among the Balearic team, who ended up paying dearly with two red cards in just a few minutes: first Morlanes, for a second yellow card after a tackle on Lamine, and then Muriqi, who was sent off after a hard tackle reviewed by VAR. With the score at 0-2 and two men down before half-time, the match was practically over.

In the second half, Flick’s men managed their lead without having to push too hard, while Mallorca, despite trying with long balls, were barely able to cause any trouble. Lamine Yamal, electric and involved in almost every attacking move, sealed the victory with a goal in his style, reaffirming his role as the team’s offensive leader.

Joan García performed well in his debut between the posts, and Marcus Rashford played his first minutes as a Barça player in a match that leaves Barça feeling positive and Mallorca with the bitter feeling that controversy and indiscipline completely overshadowed the league opener.

Result: Mallorca (0) – (3) Barcelona

LaLiga Matchday 1 Roundup: Espanyol vs. Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid got off to a bad start in LaLiga 2025/26 at the RCDE Stadium, where they lost 1-2 to Espanyol.

However, it is fair to mention that the initial star of the show was Julián Álvarez, who put the Rojiblancos ahead with a stunning direct free kick that silenced the home fans and confirmed his role as the team’s undisputed leader.

Simeone surprised everyone by starting several new signings, Cardoso, Ruggeri, Baena, Hancko, and Almada, in an attempt to refresh the squad after last season’s doubts. For much of the match, Atleti showed more control than brilliance, even having the chance to seal the win with a clear opportunity for Julián that hit the post. However, a lack of accuracy and some defensive errors began to open the door for the opposition.

Espanyol did not give up and, with the support of their fans, managed a comeback that left Simeone’s men stunned. Miguel Rubio equalized with a header from a set piece, and shortly after, Pere Milla made it 2-1 with an acrobatic finish that was impossible for Oblak to save.

The Pericos’ reaction in just a quarter of an hour undid all the Rojiblancos’ efforts and left Atlético with the feeling of having wasted another opportunity to get off to a strong start. While Manolo González celebrated his team’s tenacity, Cholo left with a look of frustration, aware that his team still has a lot to work on if it wants to compete seriously this season.

Result: Espanyol (2) – (1) Atlético Madrid