La Liga Full Schedule Matchday 21: TV Channels, Standings, Key Battles, And Preview
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| La Liga Full Schedule Matchday 21 |
A Defining Week in the La Liga Title Race
La Liga Matchday 21 arrives at a critical moment of the 2025/26 season. With the campaign moving past the halfway mark, every point now carries extra weight. The title race is tight, the battle for European places is intense, and the relegation fight is already unforgiving.
This week’s schedule runs from Friday, January 23 to Monday, January 26, 2026, featuring ten matches spread across four days. Fans will be watching closely as La Liga leaders FC Barcelona and their closest rivals Real Madrid CF attempt to maintain momentum under growing pressure.
Matchday 21 Fixtures and Kick-Off Times (GMT & USA)
Friday, January 23
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Levante UD vs Elche CF
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET
Saturday, January 24
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Rayo Vallecano vs CA Osasuna
Kick-off: 13:00 GMT | 08:00 ET -
Valencia CF vs RCD Espanyol
Kick-off: 15:15 GMT | 10:15 ET -
Sevilla FC vs Athletic Club
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT | 12:30 ET -
Villarreal CF vs Real Madrid CF
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET
Sunday, January 25
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Atlético Madrid vs Real Mallorca
Kick-off: 13:00 GMT | 08:00 ET -
FC Barcelona vs Real Oviedo
Kick-off: 15:15 GMT | 10:15 ET -
Real Sociedad vs Celta Vigo
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT | 12:30 ET -
Deportivo Alavés vs Real Betis
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET
Monday, January 26
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Girona FC vs Getafe CF
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT | 14:00 ET
Ten matches, multiple storylines, and very little margin for error.
Read more:
- How to Live Broadcast & Stream La Liga This Weekend
- Can You Watch La Liga 2026 for Free in the USA? Smart Alternatives Explained
Where to Watch La Liga Matchday 21 (TV & Streaming)
United States
La Liga continues to be widely accessible for American viewers:
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ESPN+ – Live coverage of all La Liga matches
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ESPN Deportes – Spanish-language broadcasts
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Selected matches may also air on ESPN2 or ABC, depending on scheduling
For fans in the US, ESPN+ remains the most reliable option, offering English and Spanish commentary along with full replays and highlights.
International Viewers
Broadcast partners vary by region, but most international rights holders follow similar schedules to the official La Liga calendar. Always check local listings closer to kick-off for confirmation.
Current La Liga Standings
At the top, the margins are razor-thin.
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FC Barcelona – 49 points
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Real Madrid – 48 points
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Atlético Madrid – 41 points
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Villarreal CF – 41 points
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RCD Espanyol – 34 points
At the other end of the table, the relegation fight is already heating up. Real Oviedo, Levante, and Osasuna are under increasing pressure, with each point potentially decisive.
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Title race: Barcelona and Real Madrid are separated by just one point. Any slip could immediately change the lead.
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European spots: Atlético Madrid and Villarreal are locked in a tight battle for Champions League qualification.
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Survival battle: Several clubs are clustered near the bottom, making head-to-head matches especially tense.
The Biggest Games of Matchday 21
Villarreal CF vs Real Madrid CF
Saturday, 20:00 GMT
This is the standout fixture of the week. Villarreal have been excellent at home and remain firmly in the top-four race. Real Madrid, meanwhile, cannot afford to drop points with Barcelona leading the table.
Madrid’s attacking depth gives them an edge, but Villarreal’s pressing and discipline make this a dangerous trip. This match could have direct consequences for both the title and the Champions League places.
Prediction: Narrow Real Madrid win or high-scoring draw.
FC Barcelona vs Real Oviedo
Sunday, 15:15 GMT
On paper, this looks straightforward for Barcelona. In reality, these are often the most uncomfortable games for a title contender. Barcelona dominate possession and territory, but Oviedo will likely sit deep and play for transitions.
Barcelona’s form suggests they should control the match, but patience will be required to break down a compact defense.
Prediction: Barcelona win, possibly by two goals.
Atlético Madrid vs Real Mallorca
Sunday, 13:00 GMT
Atlético Madrid are quietly building momentum. Playing at home gives them a significant advantage, but Mallorca’s organization can frustrate stronger sides.
This is the kind of fixture Atlético must win if they want to stay in the title conversation or at least secure Champions League qualification early.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid win, low-scoring.
Sevilla FC vs Athletic Club
Saturday, 17:30 GMT
Two traditional heavyweights meet in a match that could shape the Europa League race. Sevilla have been inconsistent, while Athletic Club rely on intensity and physicality.
This game feels finely balanced and could swing on a single moment.
Prediction: Draw or narrow Sevilla victory.
Tactical and Form Overview
Title Contenders
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Barcelona are controlling games through possession and positional discipline. Their challenge is breaking down deep defensive blocks.
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Real Madrid remain devastating in transition. Their biggest strength is depth, but away matches against organized sides remain tricky.
Chasing Pack
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Atlético Madrid are defensively solid and efficient rather than spectacular.
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Villarreal continue to punch above their weight with smart pressing and fluid attacking rotations.
Relegation Zone
Teams near the bottom are already shifting into survival mode. Expect cautious tactics, direct football, and a focus on avoiding mistakes rather than entertaining play.
Predictions and What to Watch
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Barcelona and Real Madrid are both expected to win, but pressure will build as soon as one drops points.
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Villarreal vs Real Madrid could be the surprise result of the round.
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The relegation battle will tighten further, especially if Levante or Oviedo fail to win.
Key themes this week:
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Title pressure
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Home advantage
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Tactical discipline over flair
Final Thoughts
La Liga Matchday 21 feels like a turning point rather than just another weekend of fixtures. The title race is balanced on a knife edge, European qualification is fiercely contested, and the relegation fight is already intense.
With high-profile clashes, clear storylines, and very little room for error, this round offers everything that makes La Liga one of the most compelling leagues in world football.
