Barcelona and Villarreal dominated the headlines early in the week that welcomed La Liga competition for the first time in the 2025-26 LA Liga competition. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved the home game of Villarreal against Barcelona in Miami, Florida at the end of December on the last match day before the Christmas holidays.
It was previously suggested, with the first proposal seven years ago for Girona to 'Host' Barcelona in Miami. The RFEF, however, had the attempts of La Liga to extend La Liga to the United States, but has given the green light. UEFA and FIFA must now make a fixed decision.
In the meantime, Real Madrid has thrown their weight behind the lobby against the idea, with the argument that the change of location would change the Home and Away format and thus endanger the integrity of the competition. They have called UEFA and FIFA to reject the request, but FIFA and UEFA have both suggested an openness in the past to organize European competitions abroad.
In the meantime, the former Arsenal -midfielder Thomas Peny was first seen on the field since he signed for Villarreal, and for the first time since he was accused of five counts of rape and one count of sexual attack. President Fernando Roig has defended Pedey, but some Villarreal fans have made their disgust completely clear.
While Barcelona kicks off their title defense on Saturday at Son Moix to RCD Mallorca, with two important additions and one large departure. Football España gave CNN World Sport a brief example of where Barcelona has improved and what questions they may have to answer next season.