The curtain of LaLiga EA Sports rose on August 15, 2026, inaugurating a new campaign full of expectations. After the first few matchdays, which extended until October 19, 2026, it is now possible to draw an initial map of the teams that have dazzled and those that, on the contrary, have disappointed their fans and analysts. The league table, with FC Barcelona in a solid lead, reveals interesting dynamics that will shape the course of the championship.
Unexpected Revelations
Photo: Tyson Bennett / Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/@tysonbennett)
At the start of every league season, there are always teams that manage to escape the spotlight of the major powers to become unexpected protagonists. In this 2026/27 campaign, two names resonate strongly in this regard:
- Real Betis: The Andalusian side has had a notable start, positioning themselves in third place in the standings with 19 points after nine matches played. Their defensive solidity and attacking effectiveness have allowed them to compete with Champions League aspirants, far exceeding initial expectations that placed them in the fight for lesser European spots. This early performance suggests a growing project with high ambitions.
- RC Deportivo: The return of a historic club to the top flight always generates excitement, and Deportivo de La Coruña has not disappointed. As one of the three teams promoted for this season, alongside Racing de Santander and Málaga, the Galician side has managed to establish themselves in ninth place with 11 points after nine matchdays. Staying in the upper half of the table is a significant achievement for a newcomer and demonstrates rapid adaptation to the demands of LaLiga EA Sports.
Photo: Krzysztof Dubiel / Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/@kris1902)
Disappointments Under Scrutiny
On the other end of the scale, several renowned clubs have stumbled in the first few months of competition, generating concern and urgency to reverse the situation. Their current positions are far from what was predicted at the start of the season:
- Valencia CF: Valencia's situation is perhaps the most worrying among the major disappointments. A team with Valencia's history and fanbase finds itself in nineteenth place in the table, in the relegation zone. A lack of consistency and difficulty in accumulating points have plunged the club into a sporting crisis that demands immediate solutions to avoid a greater downfall. It's an unusual position for the 'Che' team.
- Villarreal CF: The 'Yellow Submarine' is another club that has failed to start with the expected solidity. With 9 points and in twelfth place after nine games, Villarreal is far from the European spots they usually aim for. A campaign where they would fight for continental qualification was expected, but the results are not forthcoming, highlighting the need for a reaction to avoid falling behind the top teams.
- Málaga CF: Although newly promoted, Málaga finds itself at the bottom of the table with only 4 points after nine matchdays. While adapting to the elite is always complex for teams moving up a division, the provisional bottom club needs to find a formula to secure victories and not get too far behind in the fight for survival.
Favorites Delivering
Meanwhile, the giants of the competition have lived up to their role as title contenders. FC Barcelona has enjoyed an immaculate start, leading the table with a perfect 27 points from nine games, showing undeniable consistency. They are closely followed by Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid, both in Champions League positions, reaffirming their candidacy for the top honours in LaLiga EA Sports. Their performance, while expected, underscores the competitiveness of the league at the top.
Key Factors on the Board
The start of this season has been influenced by various factors. The 2026 World Cup, which concluded on July 19, led to a somewhat atypical early schedule, with some first-round matches postponed to allow for more rest for international players. This could have affected the pre-season and the readiness of some teams. Furthermore, the summer transfer market and the integration of new signings, as well as injuries to key players, always play a fundamental role in the initial performance of clubs. LaLiga 2026/27, with its surprises and disappointments, promises an exciting campaign until the end.
The championship is long and offers room for dynamics to change, but the opening matchdays have already provided a clear picture of who has managed to capitalise on the moment and who needs an urgent course correction.