The class and style of Spain’s La Liga will continue on Saturday 31 and Sunday 1 September, headlined by a clash between Real Madrid and Real Betis.

Champions Real Madrid will welcome Real Betis to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday night for the final match of the round – and the last clash before an international break – making this a key clash in determining the ‘vibe’ for Los Blancos before their superstars jet off to play international football in the following 10 days or so.

“Right before the international break, these matches are always important… maybe more for the media and what they will write than it is for us, because we know the season is long, but of course you want to end this part of the season with three points,” said Real manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The round opens late on Saturday afternoon with Barcelona hosting Real Valladolid in Catalunya, before Atletico Madrid face a tricky clash away to Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium – with Los Rojiblancos hoping that Julian Alvarez, who was signed from Manchester City for a huge fee, can become a goal-scoring hero.

“[Alvarez] at Atletico will feel like the No.9 starter. The club and [manager Diego] Simeone want him, and I think the fans are thrilled with his arrival,” said former Atletico and Man City forward Sergio Aguero.

Saturday also features Valencia hosting Villarreal at the Mestalla Stadium, where home manager Ruben Baraja is looking to build Los Che back to a point where they can challenge for European football and regularly bloody the nose of the league’s heavyweights.

“The unity of the Valencian fans makes us stronger in every sense of the word,” said Baraja. “They are very important to us, they have supported us, they have encouraged us, supported us and supported us in difficult moments.

“They must feel that they are the most important thing we have. Mestalla will once again be a determining factor in achieving the objectives we set ourselves for the season.”

Sunday – aside from the Real v Betis clash – also features a potential thriller between Sevilla and Girona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Los Nervionenses will hope that Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho can become a cult hero for the Andalusian club.

“There was a clear idea of what they want me to do here and why they brought me here in football terms,” said the Super Eagles star, who will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of African players who have starred for Sevilla, such as Frederic Kanoute, Seydou Keita and Youssef En-Nesyri.

You are entitled to the best football… After all, you’re a DStv subscriber, DStv is your home of choice and value. Get connected and upgrade to DStv Compact to catch all the exhilarating thrills and spills from this elite division 24/7, 365 days of the year. DStv Stream customers are also able to enjoy all the action – all you need is a fast, stable, and reliable internet connection. Download the MyDStv app on your mobile app store or visit www.dstv.com and manage your account.

Broadcast details

Saturday 31 August

• 17:00: Barcelona v Real Valladolid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 19:00: Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 19:00: Espanyol v Rayo Vallecano – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1 and SuperSport Maximo 1
• 21:30: Valencia v Villarreal – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 21:30: Leganes v Mallorca – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Maximo 1

Sunday 1 September

• 17:00: Deportivo Alaves v Las Palmas – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Maximo 1
• 17:00: Osasuna v Celta Vigo – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 19:00: Getafe v Real Sociedad – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2 and SuperSport Maximo 1
• 19:00: Sevilla v Girona – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3
• 21:30: Real Madrid v Real Betis – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Maximo 3