Champions Real kick off La Liga title defence at Sociedad

Spanish champions Real Madrid begin the defence of their La Liga title away at Real Sociedad on Sept. 20 and play Barcelona in the season’s first classico just over one month later, Monday’s draw for this season’s fixtures revealed.

Real play at Sociedad one week after the scheduled kick off of the new campaign because teams that participated in the last stages of the Champions League and Europa League have been given additional time off.

Atletico host Granada, Barcelona’s first game under new coach Ronald Koeman will be at home to Villarreal while Europa League winners Sevilla travel to newly-promoted Cadiz.

The champions’ derby with Atletico is set for Dec. 12 at the Santiago Bernabeu and March 7 at the Wanda Metropolitano.