La Liga Round 19 Preview: Fixtures, Kick-Off Times & Global Viewing Guide (10–11 January)
As La Liga returns from its winter break, Round 19 of the 2025/26 Spanish top flight delivers a full weekend of action across Spain on 10–11 January 2026. Fans can expect competitive matchups, important table implications, and plenty of exciting football as teams resume their battle for domestic glory. Below is your complete guide to fixtures, kick-off times across time zones, key match focus, and viewing insights.
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| La Liga Round 19 Preview |
Full Fixtures – La Liga Round 19
All times listed first in Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) before GMT and US Eastern Time (EST/UTC-5) conversions:
Saturday, 10 January 2026
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13:00 CET / 12:00 GMT / 07:00 EST – Real Oviedo vs Real Betis
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15:15 CET / 14:15 GMT / 09:15 EST – Villarreal vs Alavés
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17:30 CET / 16:30 GMT / 11:30 EST – Girona vs Osasuna
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20:00 CET / 19:00 GMT / 14:00 EST – Valencia vs Elche
Sunday, 11 January 2026
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13:00 CET / 12:00 GMT / 07:00 EST – Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca
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15:15 CET / 14:15 GMT / 09:15 EST – Levante vs Espanyol
There is also a late Round 19 match scheduled for Monday, 12 January, where Sevilla host Celta Vigo.
Time Zone Guide
To help international fans tune in:
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CET (Spain): Local match times
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GMT (UK & West Africa): CET −1
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EST (US Eastern): CET −6
Example: A 20:00 CET kickoff equates to 19:00 GMT and 14:00 EST.
Predicted Lineups
With most squads returning from the winter break close to full fitness, coaches are expected to rely on familiar shapes rather than heavy rotation.
Villarreal vs Alavés
Villarreal are likely to continue with a 4-3-3, built around control in midfield and width in attack. Expect Villarreal CF to start with their regular back four, while Alavés should adopt a compact 4-2-3-1, prioritizing defensive discipline and quick transitions.
Girona vs Osasuna
Girona FC are expected to line up in their preferred 4-3-3, pressing high at home. Osasuna may mirror with a flexible 4-4-2, shifting to a deeper block when out of possession.
Valencia vs Elche
Valencia should stick with a 4-2-3-1, using pace on the wings and a single striker. Elche are likely to sit deeper in a 5-3-2, aiming to frustrate and counter.
Elsewhere, Real Betis, Mallorca, Espanyol, and Rayo Vallecano are all expected to field near-first-choice elevens as league points become increasingly valuable heading into the second half of the season.
Key Matches & What to Watch
Villarreal vs Alavés
Villarreal aims to consolidate in the upper midfield and build momentum as the season resumes. Alavés, often a tough opponent for higher-placed teams, will test their mettle. This match could influence mid-table positioning.
Girona vs Osasuna
Both clubs have shown resilience in the first half of the season. Girona’s home strength versus Osasuna’s counter-attacking threats makes this a compelling tactical battle.
Valencia vs Elche
A traditional rivalry in the Valencia region, this fixture carries pride and practical league ramifications, especially in the fight for midtable and avoiding the relegation zone.
Other matches like Real Oviedo vs Betis and Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca might not headline globally but are crucial for both clubs’ ambitions — from European pushes to survival battles.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Midfield Control: Villarreal vs Alavés
The central midfield duel will be decisive. Villarreal’s technical midfielders will look to dominate possession, while Alavés’ double pivot focuses on breaking rhythm and launching counters.
Wide Areas: Girona vs Osasuna
Girona’s wingers against Osasuna’s full-backs could define the match. Girona thrive when stretching play, while Osasuna’s defensive shape relies heavily on disciplined wide coverage.
Creativity vs Structure: Valencia vs Elche
Valencia’s attacking midfielders operating between the lines face a stern test against Elche’s compact defensive block. Breaking that structure early could open the game.
These individual battles often shape matches more than tactics on paper, especially after a mid-season reset.
Context & Season Storylines
As La Liga progresses into 2026, the league narrative includes tight competition at the top and intriguing mid-table clusters fighting for European qualification spots. While the big club clashes (like El Clásico) occur later in the season, Round 19 remains vital in forming momentum as teams prepare for the second half of the campaign.
Notably, Barcelona currently enjoys strong form, having racked up a significant point lead earlier in the season, positioning them as early favorites to challenge for the title.
Read more: How to Watch La Liga in the U.S. for FREE: 8 Websites and 4 Options
Viewing Tips Around the World
In Europe:
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Most matches kick off in the early afternoon to evening (CET), perfect for weekend viewing.
In the United States:
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Early morning broadcasts in EST (07:00–14:00) make Saturday and Sunday matchdays accessible for dedicated fans.
In Asia (Vietnam/UTC+7):
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Add 6 hours to GMT — typical fixtures become evening to early overnight games (e.g., 13:00 GMT → 19:00 local).
Most games are streamed on major sports networks and digital platforms depending on regional broadcast rights (e.g., ESPN, DAZN, Movistar+ in Spain, and local partners). Confirm availability through your regional provider.
Final Thoughts
Round 19 of La Liga (10–11 January 2026) offers a blend of competitive matches that matter for league position, European ambition, and relegation battles. With clear kick-off windows across time zones and key matchups on show, fans worldwide can enjoy a full weekend of top-tier Spanish football.
