体坛英语新闻：First games of new Spanish season published

MADRID, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Defending BBVA Primera Liga Champions, FC Barcelona face a difficult start to the 2011-12 season as the opening games of the forthcoming campaign were published in Spain this Wednesday.

The new season kicks off on the weekend of August 20-21 and sees Barcelona travel to play Malaga. Malaga have been the big movers in the Spanish transfer market this summer as the club looks to build a side capable of competing in Europe with the capture of players such as Joaquin Sanchez and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Real Madrid, who finished last season second behind Barcelona, kick off their campaign with a complicated game against Athletic Club Bilbao ,who ended last season in sixth place in the table.

The first round of games will also see the return of the Seville derby between Betis and Sevilla. Betis, who returned to the top flight at the end of last season, host their city rivals in a game between two teams with one of the biggest rivalries in Spain.

Elsewhere Real Sociedad face AtleticoMadrid, Valenciavisit Osasuna, while Espanyol host newly promoted Granada.

The other promoted side, Rayo Vallecano, entertains Mallorca, while Villarreal play Sporting Gijon, Racing Santander play Getafeand Levante take on Zaragozain what is a repeat of the last game of last season, where Zaragozaavoided relegation with a 2-1 win.