The 2024-25 La Liga season is upon us, and with it comes renewed anticipation, excitement, and a few burning questions. Will Real Madrid continue their dominance, or can rivals like Barcelona or Atlético Madrid mount a serious challenge?
The summer has been kind to Spanish football, with La Roja clinching Euro 2024 and the U-23 side securing Olympic gold in Paris. Now, attention shifts back to domestic football, where the upcoming season promises to be just as enthralling. Let’s dive into what we can expect this year in Spain’s top flight.
Title Contenders: Real Madrid vs. the Chasing Pack
When it comes to La Liga title discussions, Real Madrid and Barcelona are always in the spotlight. This season is no exception. Defending champions Real Madrid, bolstered by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, remain the favourites.
Under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship, Los Blancos have added even more firepower to a squad already boasting stars like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. With Mbappé’s 44 goals last season at PSG, Real Madrid look unstoppable. Realistically speaking, their chances of retaining the title are high, given the depth and quality of their squad.
Barcelona, on the other hand, enter a new era under Hansi Flick. Despite winning La Liga in 2022-23, last season saw the Catalan giants struggle to keep pace with their fierce rivals. Flick’s appointment brings optimism, but it remains to be seen if he can restore Barça’s dominance. The Blaugrana are expected to push Real Madrid hard, but without the same attacking prowess, they may find it difficult to dethrone the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid will hope their significant summer investment can close the gap. Diego Simeone’s side has brought in the likes of Julian Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, and Robin Le Normand. However, while they are likely to finish in the top three, their chances of claiming the title appear slim, as they still lack the firepower to challenge Madrid over a 38-game season.
The Race for the Top Four: Girona’s Rise
The fight for Champions League qualification has become as fiercely contested as the title race. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid are all but guaranteed a place, leaving one spot up for grabs. Girona, making their debut in European competition this season, have emerged as dark horses. They impressed last term before falling away toward the end but are expected to bounce back.
While Girona are tipped to finish fourth, they have lost several key players, including top scorer Artem Dovbyk, and that could hinder their chances. Athletic Club and Real Sociedad are two other teams with a strong chance of sneaking into the top four. Athletic’s success in the Copa del Rey last season highlighted their potential, while Real Sociedad’s consistency makes them a constant threat. Villarreal, Sevilla, and Real Betis could also be in the mix, but they may fall just short due to squad limitations or the added strain of European commitments.
Relegation Battle: Newly Promoted Teams Face an Uphill Struggle
At the opposite end of the table, the newly promoted clubs—Espanyol, Real Valladolid, and Leganés—are bracing for a tough season. Historically, La Liga has not been kind to teams making the jump from the second division, and this year looks no different. Espanyol’s relegation in 2023-24 and immediate return show they have the capability to fight for survival, but the odds are stacked against them.
Valladolid and Leganés face an even steeper challenge. While Valladolid narrowly missed relegation last season, this year’s campaign could be their undoing. Leganés, the smallest of the promoted clubs, are considered the likeliest to finish bottom. With limited resources and a squad lacking top-flight experience, staying in La Liga will require a Herculean effort from their players and staff.
Outside the newcomers, teams like Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe will also be looking nervously over their shoulders. Although these clubs have more experience at this level, they are expected to be embroiled in the relegation battle as well. Osasuna, Alavés, and Mallorca appear to have enough quality to avoid the drop, while Valencia, a shadow of their former selves, are tipped for a mid-table finish.
La Liga 2024-24: A Season of Intrigue Awaits
The 2024-25 La Liga season is shaping up to be a fascinating one. Real Madrid’s quest for a third title in four years will likely dominate headlines, but Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will be eager to spoil the party. Girona, Athletic Club, and Real Sociedad provide intriguing competition in the race for Champions League spots, while the relegation battle looks set to be another nail-biting affair. One thing is for certain: La Liga will once again deliver drama, passion, and plenty of surprises.
Read More: Arsenal 2024-25 Premier League Season Preview: Five Main Talking Points
When is the El Classico?
The first El Classico of the season is on 27th October, 2024.
