La Liga’s fourth matchday delivers a weekend packed with heavyweight encounters, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all facing potentially tricky assignments as the early-season campaign gathers pace.
Friday’s headline fixture sees Real Betis host Real Madrid, with Jose Mourinho’s side travelling to Seville for a demanding test. The match is scheduled for Friday 4 September, with kick-off at 7:00 pm.
Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini is expecting his team to embrace the challenge. “They are a great team, but we are confident we can play our game, especially on home soil and with the support of our fans,” he says. Pellegrini also insists the focus should remain on the players available to him, while acknowledging that Madrid possess the depth to cope with absences. It sets up an intriguing battle between Betis’ desire to impose themselves and Madrid’s quality across the pitch.
Saturday brings another major clash at San Mamés, where Athletic Club face Atletico Madrid in the afternoon. The Bilbao atmosphere is likely to play a major role, with Athletic’s home support capable of making this one of the most intense fixtures of the weekend. The match is confirmed for Saturday 5 September at 2:15 pm.
Diego Simeone knows exactly what awaits his side. “Every time we play in Bilbao we know how difficult it is, a strong rival at home with their people,” says the Atletico coach. His message is clear: Atletico must find a way to dictate the contest on their terms rather than allowing Athletic’s intensity to overwhelm them.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Rayo Vallecano welcome Racing before Villarreal face Deportivo in the evening, providing important opportunities for sides looking to establish themselves in the upper reaches of the table.
Sunday begins with another marquee encounter as Valencia host Barcelona at Mestalla. The fixture is set for 2:15pm, with Barcelona facing a traditionally demanding away day.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is under no illusions about the challenge. “I am really looking forward to the match. I know that in Valencia it is always difficult. It will be a tough game,” he says. Flick expects Valencia to attack and has warned his players to remain alert to the spaces between defence and goal. His demand is simple: Barcelona must “be switched on from the start”.
Sunday’s programme also features Alaves against Osasuna, Malaga versus Levante and Espanyol against Sevilla, before Monday’s meeting between Getafe and Celta brings the matchday to a close.
With three of Spain’s biggest clubs facing challenging opposition, Matchday 4 promises to reveal plenty about the ambitions and character of the leading contenders.
Broadcast details
La Liga: Matchday 4
Friday 4 September
7:00 pm: Real Betis v Real Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Saturday 5 September
2:15 pm: Athletic v Atletico Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
4:30 pm: Rayo v Racing – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
7:00 pm: Villarreal v Deportivo – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Sunday 6 September
2:15 pm: Valencia v Barcelona – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
4:30 pm: Alaves v Osasuna – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
4:30 pm: Malaga v Levante – LIVE on SuperSport Action Africa
7:00 pm: Espanyol v Sevilla – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
Monday 7 September
5:00 pm: Getafe v Celta – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
