2018/19 La Liga: Real, Barca in action on first day
What's the story
La Liga's 2018-19 fixtures have been announced, and the season shall commence on August 19. Heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Valencia will be seen in action on the opening day. Barca will face Alaves, whereas, Real will host Getafe. This 88th edition of the league will see Video Assistant Referee (VAR) being introduced for the first time.
Managers
New gaffers in the dressing room
7 clubs will feature a new manager, at the helm of affairs, in this edition. Sevilla have a new boss Pablo Machin. He used to coach Girona, which have now appointed Eusebio Sacristan as their new manager. The most important debutant, this term, is Julen Lopetegui. He has big shoes to fill as he is set to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.
El Clasico
On the biggest club football matches in the world
The world looks forward to seeing the epic clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and this season will be no different. The two giants will meet at Camp Nou on October 28 for the first leg while Real will host the El Clasico on February 9, 2019. The second Clasico, last year, was dulled as Barca had already won the title.
Changes
Farewells and welcomes: Relegations and promotions
Out of the 20 clubs, 3 are the ones which have been promoted from the second division. Huesca will debut against Eibar for their first ever La Liga match, while Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid will taste top-flight football once again. Malaga, Las Palmas and Deportivo La Coruna have been relegated and will compete in the second division.
Barcelona
Who are the favorites?
With Cristiano Ronaldo moving out and Real Madrid lacking a prolific goal-scorer, Barcelona are, once again, the favorites to win the title this year. They have strengthened their squad with the addition of Arthur and Malcom. Barcelona can wreak havoc against any La Liga club this year. They start their campaign against Alaves on August 19 followed by a match against Valladolid on 26.