Match Info

Competition: La Liga — Gameweek 1

Date: August 17, 2026

Time: 20:00 (GMT+1) / August 18, 03:00 (GMT+7)

Venue: Estadio Abanca-Riazor

Deportivo Preview

Deportivo La Coruna return to La Liga for the first time since the 2017-18 season after finishing second in the Segunda Division last term. The historic club endured years outside Spain's top flight, including a spell in the third tier, but now have an opportunity to begin a new chapter under Antonio Hidalgo. Deportivo have made seven summer signings, including goalkeeper Leo Roman, Angelino and experienced striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward is expected to lead the line and could provide the experience required to help Deportivo navigate the demands of top-flight football. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Elche Preview

Elche enter the new season after finishing 15th in La Liga last term, only one point above the relegation zone. Martin Anselmi has taken over as head coach and has overseen a busy summer, with eight new players arriving, including Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte. Elche have enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season and head into their opening fixture after a convincing 3-0 victory over Toulouse. Their recent record against Deportivo will also provide confidence, with Elche having won the clubs' last two meetings by a 4-0 scoreline. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Probable Lineups

Deportivo La Coruna (4-3-1-2)

Roman; Navarro, Ede, Noubi, Angelino; Amatucci, Soriano, Villares; Cruz; Nsongo, Aubameyang

Elche (3-4-3)

Dituro; Chust, Bigas, Affengruber; Sangare, Villar, Aguado, Valera; Houary, Nino, Cepeda (sportsmole.co.uk)

We Say

This is a fascinating opening fixture between a Deportivo side returning to the top flight with plenty of ambition and an Elche team looking to build greater security after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Deportivo's home atmosphere and the experience of Aubameyang could be decisive, but Elche's unbeaten pre-season and recent dominance in this fixture mean the visitors should not be underestimated.