When Do Europe’s Top Leagues Kick Off, and What Are the Key Storylines in La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga?

Opening La Liga fixture: Alaves against Getafe, Saturday 15 August, 18:30 (BST)

Few could have predicted Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, 13 years after his first tenure as manager came to an end.

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe in 2024 led many to believe Real would control both La Liga and the Champions League. Although the forward has performed well, the team has struggled to function as a cohesive unit.

Real often appeared divided last season, with four elite attackers operating ahead of an unstable defence that was repeatedly exposed on the counterattack.

The additions of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva are expected to bring greater balance, while Yan Diomande could add another dangerous option in attack.

Vinicius Junior, previously linked with a move to Arsenal, has also committed his future by signing a new contract.

There are doubts over whether the experienced Mourinho can still succeed at the highest level. He must handle prominent personalities such as Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius, despite unrest in the dressing room contributing to the end of his previous spell at the Bernabeu. Questions also remain about whether his tactical approach can overcome Barcelona.

Hansi Flick’s team were less dominant last season than they had been in 2024-25, but their roster of Spanish World Cup champions means they remain favourites to secure a third straight league crown.

Finding a replacement for Robert Lewandowski’s goals will be a major challenge, although Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have arrived to strengthen the attack.

Atletico Madrid will once again aim to break into the leading pair, while Villarreal and Real Betis are expected to head the chasing group.

Having climbed back from the third division, Malaga will attempt to stay in the top flight with limited finances but a closely united squad. The club has remained under judicial administration since 2020.

Valencia supporters are preparing for an emotional final season at the historic Mestalla, while uncertainty surrounds whether Uefa Conference League runners-up Rayo Vallecano can stage any matches at their own ground.

Madrid’s regional authorities have withdrawn the club’s permission to hold fixtures at the rented Vallecas stadium because of the venue’s deteriorating facilities.