MADRID, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The ball gets rolling on the new La Liga season this weekend with matches played from Friday night and carrying on until Tuesday, when Xabi Alonso's new-look Real Madrid gets into action.
Real Madrid tried unsuccessfully to get La Liga to postpone its game at home to Osasuna, alleging that the club's participation in the Club World Cup this summer didn't allow enough preparation time after the squad only returned to work on August 4 after its exertions in June and July.
Eduardo Camavinga is out with a muscle injury, while Jude Bellingham is recovering from a shoulder operation and Antonio Rudiger is suspended as he serves the last game of a ban picked up for his appalling behavior at the end of last season's Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona.
The round of games kicks off on Friday night with Girona at home to Rayo Vallecano, with the home side anxious to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles and Rayo aiming for a repeat of a campaign which earned the club a place in the Conference League preliminary round.
Thomas Partey will probably be the center of attention as Villarreal welcomes Oviedo back to the top-flight after 24 years out of the elite.
Villarreal signed Partey against the wishes of many fans who didn't want to see a player currently facing five rape charges at their club. Apart from the Ghanian midfielder, it will also be interesting to see how Villarreal adapts to losing forwards Alex Baena and Thierno Barry.
League champion, FC Barcelona visits Mallorca on Saturday evening. Despite a successful pre-season, Barca has not been able to register goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny or Marcus Rashford and Gerard Martin in its squad due to financial fair play rules.
Either Garcia or Szczesny (or maybe both) seem likely to be registered in time, but Rashford could find himself watching the season opener from the stands of the Son Moix Stadium.
The match between Alaves and Levante has been put back due to worries about the ongoing heatwave. Meanwhile, new Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco makes his debut with a tricky visit to Valencia.
Atletico Madrid has been the biggest spender in Spain for the second consecutive summer, and new signings such as Alex Baena, Matteo Ruggeri and Johnny Cardoso should be in action when Diego Simeone's men visit Espanyol that has also brought in eight new faces.
Athletic Club has to overcome a terrible pre-season that saw six consecutive defeats when the team that finished fourth last season plays its opening game at home to Sevilla.
Borja Iglesias is back for Celta Vigo's opener at home to Getafe, while Elche returns to the elite on Monday night at home to Betis, who are still hoping to sign winger Antony from Manchester United. ■
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