Real Madrid begin their LaLiga Santander campaign against Alaves, as Los Blancos look to get off to a positive start against a tricky opponent.
The match will take place at the Estadio Mendizorroza on Saturday, August 14 at 22:00 CEST.
Alaves hosted Real Madrid in January 2021, where Los Blancos cruised to a 4-1 away win through goals from Casemiro, Karim Benzema (2) and Eden Hazard.
Yet Madrid need not be reminded that Alaves defeated them at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano earlier in the campaign with goals from Lucas Perez and Joselu.
Signings
Out:
Real Madrid will take to the field without their captain and talisman Sergio Ramos, whose contract expired in the summer and moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
Another major loss in defence is Raphael Varane, who has moved to Manchester United.
In:
Real Madrid's only summer arrival so far is David Alaba, who has moved to the Spanish capital on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
Carlo Ancelotti also has at his disposal several players who have returned from loan spells, including Gareth Bale.
When is El Clasico?
The first fixture that every Madridista looks out for is the Clasico against Barcelona. The two sides will meet on October 24 at the Camp Nou, while the reverse fixture in the Spanish capital will take place on March 20, 2022.
Last season's tally
Real Madrid pushed Atletico Madrid all the way to the final day of the LaLiga Santander season in 2020/21, but were eventually beaten to the title by their rivals.
Los Blancos managed 84 points, two fewer than Atletico, and Madrid will now be hoping to get off to a better start so that they don't have to rely on heroics at the business end of the season.