2019-20 football season set to resume in Spain

Welcome back, futbol.

After being sidelined due to the coronavirus pandemic for three months, Top-flight football in Spain officially resumes on June 11 (12 in Manila). LaLiga is marking the return to action with a special matchup for Matchday 28: the El Gran Derbi between Sevilla FC and Real Betis. The return to play is a collective effort from multiple parties, from the league working with government officials on the proper protocol, followed by a month of training sessions that was gradual in its development.

Until July 19, LaLiga will pack in its 110 remaining matches during this stretch, provided conditions continue to improve in Spain enough for health officials. Kickoff times are at 730pm and 10pm CET, with additional 2pm and 5pm CET kickoffs during weekends. (130am, 4am, 8pm, 11pm in Manila).

There is plenty of storylines to watch for the remainder of the season, with league leaders FC Barcelona trying to fend off Real Madrid for the championship, as the former is just a couple of points ahead of its bitter rivals. Continental play is also looking to be competitive, with two points separating current third placers Sevilla FC and sixth placers Atletico Madrid, with Valencia being three points behind Atleti. At the other end of the table, nine points separate cellar dwellers Espanyol and Valladolid, who is in 15th overall, and one point separates currently safe Celta and Mallorca, who is currently in the relegation zone.

Even though matches are being played in closed-door facilities, the league is exerting efforts to still keep fan involvement a thing.

The league tied up with Electronic Arts to utilize its EASPORTSFIFA audio library to provide authentic stadium sounds to its viewers. It is also conducting multiple global activities to celebrate the return of football this weekend, highlighted by its #BackToWin campaign. Among those activities is the Applause to Infinity, a tribute at the 20th minute to all the victims of the pandemic as well as to all the frontliners and heroes who worked on mitigating the impact of COVID-19 worldwide.

La Liga matches locally can be seen on beIN Sports, so check your cable subscriber for details. Otherwise, the beIN Sports Connect app is one's best friend.