Ademola Lookman Grabs Assist as LaLiga 2026/27 Season Begins With Staggered Openers
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman provided an assist for Atlético Madrid in their final pre-season friendly as the 2026/27 LaLiga season gets underway on Saturday, August 15, with the opening round spread across nearly two weeks.
Lookman set up Rodrigo Mendoza for Atlético’s equaliser as Diego Simeone’s side came from behind to beat Olympique Marseille 2-1 at the Orange Vélodrome on Friday.
Marseille took the lead through Igor Paixão in the 22nd minute, but Lookman responded 17 minutes later, supplying the pass that allowed Mendoza to level the contest.
Carlos Martín completed Atlético’s comeback in the 78th minute, giving Simeone’s side a winning finish to their pre-season preparations.
Lookman started the game in Atlético’s new No. 11 shirt and played for 70 minutes before being substituted.
The performance will provide encouragement for the Nigeria international ahead of his first LaLiga campaign with Atlético, where he is expected to play a significant role in Simeone’s attack.
LaLiga 2026/27 Begins Today
The new LaLiga season officially begins on Saturday, with Deportivo Alavés hosting Getafe before Sevilla face Rayo Vallecano later in the evening.
However, the opening round has been significantly staggered because several clubs received additional recovery and preparation time following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first matchday will eventually conclude on August 27 when Barcelona host Athletic Club.
LaLiga’s official schedule confirms that 10 opening-round fixtures have been spread from August 15 to August 27.
Why Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Are Starting Later
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are among the clubs whose opening fixtures were moved because of the number of players involved deep into the 2026 World Cup.
The arrangement allows those players additional rest and preparation time before returning to competitive action.
As a result, Atlético will begin their campaign against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, August 19.
Real Madrid will start their league campaign away to Espanyol on August 22, before their postponed Matchday 1 fixture against Real Sociedad is played on August 26.
Barcelona will make their title defence debut against Elche on August 23, while their postponed Matchday 1 meeting with Athletic Club has been scheduled for August 27
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético in the Title Race
Barcelona enter the new campaign as back-to-back LaLiga champions under Hansi Flick and will be seeking another successful title defence.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have turned to José Mourinho as they attempt to reclaim the title after finishing runners-up last season.
Atlético Madrid will also hope to challenge the two Spanish giants, with Lookman among the players expected to add attacking quality to Simeone’s squad.
For Nigerian football fans, attention will also be on Chidera Ejuke at Sevilla, Umar Sadiq at Valencia and Christantus Uche at Getafe.
Lookman is expected to make the starting list when Atlético Madrid host Málaga on Wednesday, August 19.
The match is scheduled for 9:00pm Spanish time, which is 8:00pm Nigerian time.
His assist against Marseille has given him a positive final tune-up ahead of what promises to be a demanding first season in Spain.
LaLiga 2026/27 Opening Fixtures
Saturday, August 15
Alavés vs Getafe — 6:30pm
Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano — 8:30pm
Sunday, August 16
Racing Santander vs Villarreal — 4:00pm
Espanyol vs Levante — 6:00pm
Celta vs Osasuna — 8:30pm
Monday, August 17
Deportivo La Coruña vs Elche — 8:00pm
Wednesday, August 19
Atlético Madrid vs Málaga — 8:00pm
Tuesday, August 25
Valencia vs Real Betis — 8:00pm
Wednesday, August 26
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad — 8:00pm
Thursday, August 27
Barcelona vs Athletic Club — 8:00pm
The official LaLiga schedule confirms the staggered dates and kick-off times, with the times above are in Nigerian time.
For Lookman and Atlético Madrid, the wait is now almost over.
His encouraging display against Marseille has set the tone for a LaLiga campaign in which the Nigerian winger will be under close scrutiny from fans in Spain and Nigeria.
