LaLiga EA Sports 2026/2027 has kicked off with relentless intensity, and the opening rounds are already beginning to paint a picture at the top of the table that promises strong emotions. With the season in full swing, two key names are emerging as the main protagonists of this new order: Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona.
A Statement Victory in the Madrid Derby
Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos / Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/@willianjusten)
On September 20th, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano witnessed a Madrid derby that left its mark. Atlético de Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a match corresponding to the seventh league fixture. The Rojiblancos' victory not only secured three vital points but also served as a statement of intent, reorganising the hierarchy in the capital and the overall standings.
The match had decisive moments. After a goalless first half, the second half saw a turn of events: a penalty for Atlético and the expulsion of a Real Madrid defender, De Jong, in the 52nd minute. Grimaldo converted the spot-kick, opening the scoring. Shortly after, Jonathan David extended the lead for the home side, establishing a 2-0 that seemed definitive. Although Antonio Rüdiger pulled one back for Real Madrid in the final minutes, the reaction was not enough to avoid defeat.
Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos / Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/@willianjusten)
This triumph propelled Atlético de Madrid to second place in the league with 16 points, overtaking Real Madrid, who remained on 15 points and dropped to fourth. The derby victory, beyond its emotional weight, has injected an extra dose of confidence into Simeone's squad, positioning them with serious aspirations in the championship race.
Barcelona, An Unstoppable Roller
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona, the reigning champions of the last two LaLiga editions, have started the season in superlative form. Under Hansi Flick's management, the Blaugrana have shown a solidity and cutting edge that keeps them at the top of the table. The Catalan side leads the standings with 21 points, five ahead of Atlético de Madrid, their closest pursuer after the seventh fixture.
Barcelona's strong form is reflected in their statistics. They have achieved the longest winning streak and unbeaten run, with seven consecutive victories and seven games without defeat as of September 19, 2026. Their goal-scoring prowess has been remarkable, netting 17 goals in their first four league matches. Results such as the 7-2 victory against Racing de Santander on September 16th, the 0-5 win away at Elche on August 23rd, or the 0-5 triumph at Valencia on September 6th, are testament to their dominance and ambition at the start of the league campaign.
Redefining the Title Race
These recent results are clearly redefining the landscape at the top of LaLiga. Atlético's derby victory not only allows them to leapfrog their eternal rivals but also establishes a considerable gap with the leader, Barcelona. The table is tightening, and the consistency of the Culés, combined with the resurgent ambition of the Rojiblancos, paints a picture of high competition. Real Madrid, for their part, must recover from this early stumble to avoid falling behind the leaders.
With the season still in its infancy, the battle for the title promises to be thrilling. Barcelona will aim to maintain their relentless pace, while Atlético de Madrid will try to establish themselves as a real contender for the championship. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has the obligation to get back to winning ways to avoid being left behind in the race for the league crown. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial to confirm whether this new order at the top of LaLiga is here to stay.