LALIGA Matchday 26: Betis vs Real Madrid, Atletico vs Athletic, Barca vs Real Sociedad. Key title race clashes with Isco, Antony, Mbappe, and Athletic’s streak in focus.
Matchday 26 of LALIGA EA SPORTS is shaping up to be a blockbuster weekend, with three marquee matchups stealing the spotlight: Real Betis vs Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club, and FC Barcelona vs Real Sociedad.
These six clubs—all top-seven finishers last season and current European contenders—come off victorious performances in Matchday 25, setting the stage for explosive battles that could reshape the title race and the fight for European qualification.
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Here’s why you won’t want to miss a second of the action this weekend in the Spanish top flight..
1. Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Isco and Ceballos Face Their Past
Fresh off a gritty 2-1 win over Getafe CF, Real Betis are riding a two-game winning streak, thanks to the heroics of former Real Madrid star Isco. The Andalusian midfielder bagged both goals in that victory and now prepares to haunt his old club alongside on-loan star Antony, who’s available again after his red card was rescinded.
Isco looks reborn at Real Betis. (Photo Credit: LALIGA)
Sitting seventh in the standings, Betis face a daunting challenge—having won just once in their last 10 home games against Real Madrid—but Isco’s scintillating form could be the key to an upset.
On the other side, Real Madrid are back in the groove after a 2-0 dismantling of Girona FC. Luka Modric and Vinícius Júnior found the net, with Kylian Mbappe —boasting 14 goals in his last 12 games across all competitions—pulling the strings.
Kylian Mbappe has found his form with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
Adding extra spice to this clash is Dani Ceballos, another ex-Betis man now thriving under Carlo Ancelotti. With personal pride and three points on the line, this showdown promises fireworks.
2. Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club: A Clash of Titans
Atletico and Athletic lock horns in a matchup that could shake up the top of the table. Just one point behind co-leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid, Diego Simeone’s Colchoneros are in prime position to capitalize on any slip-ups.
Atletico vs Athletic Club will be a chess match.
Atleti already bested Athletic Club earlier this season in Bilbao, but with only one loss in their last 14 league games, they know this won’t be a walkover.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, are roaring into Madrid after a jaw-dropping 7-1 thrashing of Real Valladolid. Ernesto Valverde’s Los Leones have lost just twice in 12 away games and are unbeaten in their last 16 league outings.
Nico Williams and elder brother Inaki will also catch the eyes for Athletic. (Credit: Imago)
With six different scorers in their last match, Athletic’s attack is clicking—and they’re hungry to crash the title party. Expect a tactical chess match with high stakes.
3. Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Firepower Meets Fortress
FC Barcelona head into Matchday 26 atop the table, level on points with Real Madrid, after a 2-0 win over UD Las Palmas.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick looking to remain at the top.
Hansi Flick’s side have won five straight league games, scoring at a league-best clip of 2.68 goals per match while keeping three clean sheets in that stretch.
Their attack is relentless—but they’ll face a stern test against Real Sociedad’s brick-wall defense.
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad
La Real, coming off a 3-0 rout of CD Leganes, have conceded just 23 goals in 25 matches, with goalkeeper Álex Remiro leading the league with 12 clean sheets.
Sitting one point shy of the European places, they’re desperate for a result. History, however, favours Barcelona, who have won 28 of their last 29 home games against Sociedad across all competitions.
Will Álex Remiro stop the rampant Barca side?
Why Matchday 26 Could Define the Season
These three fixtures pit elite teams against each other at a pivotal moment in the LALIGA EA SPORTS campaign. With the title race tighter than ever and European spots up for grabs, every goal, save, and point will carry massive weight.
Will Isco and Ceballos steal the show in Seville? Will happy-again Antony continue his brilliant form against Los Blancos? Can Athletic Club upset Atletico’s title chase? And will Barcelona’s attack overwhelm Real Sociedad’s defense?
Antony celebrating a goal for Real Betis | Imago
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