LaLiga unveils Atlético’s 2020/21 fixtures

Atlético Madrid’s 2020/21 season will begin Sept. 26 with a home game against Europa League-bound Granada, LaLiga revealed on Monday.

The league held its long-awaited draw for the upcoming season, which will start a month later than usual due to the effects of COVID-19. Most top-flight sides will kick off on Sept. 12 or 13 — but Atlético, Barcelona and Sevilla will get an extra two weeks off after recently completing Champions League and Europa League campaigns.

Atlético and Sevilla were paired for a tasty matchday one showdown in Madrid, but that game will be postponed until January 2021. Los Colchoneros’ matchday two visit to Levante also will be pushed back to next year.

Time for notes!

• The first derby against Real Madrid will be held Dec. 13 (as of now), likely at Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano while renovations continue on the Santiago Bernabéu. The rematch will take place at A Stadium Called Wanda on matchday 26, in March.
• For the fourth year running, Atlético will host Barcelona (Nov. 22) before traveling to Camp Nou (May 9). Whether Lionel Messi plays in those games remains to be seen.
• Atleti will get to see this new-look, potentially-explosive Villarreal early, in its third game of the season.
• Los Rojiblancos have not lined up for a competitive match against Cádiz since 2006. That will change come November.
• Diego Simeone and co. will end the season May 23 at Estadio José Zorrilla, against Real Valladolid.
• This counts as the biggest news of Atlético’s summer — which has been a quiet one, with the club confirming only one signing to this point. The transfer window closes on Oct. 5, and Atleti still need to make improvements to the squad ahead of what could be a unique opportunity to complete seriously for the title for the first time since 2015/16.