The 2025–26 La Liga season reaches a critical juncture this weekend as the title race intensifies. Barcelona sits just one point ahead of Real Madrid at the summit, and both giants face testing fixtures against sides chasing European qualification.
Here is your essential guide to the action taking place on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Saturday, February 28: Top-Four Battles and the "El Gran Derbi" Prelude
The weekend kicks off in Vallecas as Rayo Vallecano hosts Athletic Club in a battle for European spots. However, the eyes of the world will be on the Camp Nou for the main event: Barcelona vs. Villarreal.
Barça, having just overcome Levante, take on a Villarreal side currently sitting comfortably in third, hoping to pull off a shock and disrupt the title race.
The day concludes with a historic clash as Real Oviedo—having moved up to the top flight—hosts Atlético Madrid in a match that represents a daunting task for the newcomers against Diego Simeone's established powerhouse.
| Time (CET) | Match | Venue |
| 13:00 | Rayo Vallecano vs. Athletic Club | Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas |
| 15:15 | Barcelona vs. Villarreal | Spotify Camp Nou |
| 17:30 | Mallorca vs. Real Sociedad | Estadi Mallorca Son Moix |
| 20:00 | Real Oviedo vs. Atlético Madrid | Carlos Tartiere |
Sunday, March 1: Sevilla Derby Dominance and Top-Six Implications
Sunday is packed with high-stakes encounters, headlined by "El Gran Derbi" between Real Betis and Sevilla. While Betis are fighting to maintain their top-five position, Sevilla are looking to save a disappointing season with a win against their fiercest rivals.
Before that, Valencia looks to move away from the relegation dogfight as they host Osasuna at the Mestalla, while Girona takes on Celta Vigo in a match that could redefine the race for the final European qualification spot.
| Time (CET) | Match | Venue |
| 13:00 | Elche vs. Espanyol | Martínez Valero |
| 15:15 | Valencia vs. Osasuna | Mestalla |
| 17:30 | Real Betis vs. Sevilla | Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla |
| 20:00 | Girona vs. Celta Vigo | Municipal de Montilivi |
Matchday 26: Key Storylines
The Summit Battle: Barcelona must beat Villarreal to retain their one-point lead over Real Madrid (who play Getafe on Monday). Any slip-up by the Catalans could see them fall behind for the first time in months.
Top-Four Crunch: Villarreal and Atlético Madrid are looking to solidify their Champions League spots. Both have difficult away fixtures that could swing the table.
Sevilla Derby Drama: El Gran Derbi is always intense, but with both teams desperately needing points for different reasons, expect fireworks at La Cartuja.