Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid (8/12/2023): How to watch La Liga opener, time, channel, free live stream, betting odds

Following its runner-up finish to reigning champion Barcelona, Real Madrid kickstarts its 2023-24 La Liga season Saturday at Athletic Club. First touch at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, is 3:30 p.m. EST.

ABC and ESPN Deportes will broadcastbut soccer fans without cable can still watch by signing up for fuboTV (free trial) or DirecTVStream.

Host Athletic Club are seeking a hot start, as well, after an eighth place showing on the 2022-23 table. Of course, the club’s unwritten rule of only signing players who were either born in Basque County, or learned the game at a Basque Club, has made it difficult to rise up the ranks.

Regardless, Athletic Club’s final “tune-up” for the new La Liga season equaled a 1-1 draw with EPL power Manchester United last week in Dublin. Ernesto Valverde’s Club is hoping to defeat Real Madrid for the first time since 2015.

Reigning Copa del Ray champ Real Madrid will sport new additions Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Fran Garcia and Joselu, on loan from Espanyol this season. Madrid also remains in the mix for star Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe as the summer transfer window nears.

What: La Liga

Who: Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid

When: Saturday, August 12

Where: San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain

Time: 3 p.m.

Channel: ABC, ESPN Deportes

Live stream: fuboTV(FREE trial),DirecTV Stream

Odds: Real Madrid (+120), Athletic Club (+220), Draw (+240)