The most anticipated La Liga season in recent memory is about to commence, with defending champions Barcelona looking to build upon their spectacular 2024-25 campaign under Hansi Flick. As Girona and Rayo Vallecano prepare to kick off the new campaign on Friday, football fans across the globe are asking the same burning questions:
- Who will claim the coveted La Liga title?
- Which clubs will secure precious Champions League qualification?
- And who faces the devastating prospect of relegation?
The answers aren’t straightforward, but the narratives shaping the 2025-26 season suggest a campaign filled with drama, unpredictability, and intrigue.
Table of Contents
Barcelona’s Quest for Back-to-Back Glory
Barcelona enter the new season as overwhelming favorites, and for good reason. Hansi Flick’s brilliant debut year delivered not just the league title, but also triumphs in the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España – a domestic treble that underscored his immediate impact.
The Blaugrana’s dominance was built on a record-breaking attack. They scored 102 goals in La Liga last season – the only team across Europe’s top five divisions to hit triple digits. They also topped the league for shots and attacking fluidity, with their possession-based game producing relentless pressure on opponents.
Barcelona’s 2024-25 Key Statistics
| Category | Number | Rank in La Liga |
|---|---|---|
| Goals scored | 102 | 1st |
| Expected goals | 92.2 | 1st |
| Total shots | 678 | 1st |
| Passes into final third | 2,626 | 1st (2nd in Europe) |
The individual brilliance was equally striking. Raphinha registered 56 goal involvements (34 goals, 22 assists) and surged into Ballon d’Or contention. Robert Lewandowski defied age once again, netting 42 goals in all competitions. And teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal dazzled the league with a blend of creativity and dribbling that belied his 18 years.
Barcelona have further strengthened their squad by signing Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, adding another weapon to their attacking arsenal. With Flick at the helm, they remain the benchmark in Spanish football.
Real Madrid’s New Era Under Xabi Alonso
For Real Madrid, the 2025-26 season represents a fresh chapter under new coach Xabi Alonso. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss inherits a squad that has already undergone significant changes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold joins as the Premier League’s most prolific assist-providing defender, aiming to bring creativity from deep areas. Dean Huijsen bolsters the defence after an impressive season in England, while teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono provides a glimpse into the club’s future.
The forward line is glittering. Kylian Mbappé, who smashed records in his debut season, will again spearhead the attack alongside Vinícius Júnior, who looks to rediscover his best form after a slightly muted campaign. With Alonso’s tactical mind and Madrid’s wealth of talent, a title challenge looks inevitable.
Atlético Madrid’s Rebuilding Project
Atlético Madrid complete the traditional “big three” and approach this season with cautious optimism. Simeone has overseen a summer of sweeping change, adding defensive reinforcements like Marc Pubill, David Hancko, and Matteo Ruggeri, alongside midfield additions such as Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Johnny Cardoso.
Cardoso, in particular, could be transformative. The U.S. international brings balance to a midfield that has lacked a true defensive anchor since the exits of Rodri and Thomas Partey. With his composure, range, and anticipation, he could prove to be one of the most important signings of the season.
Atlético may not yet be ready to outpace Barcelona or Madrid in a 38-game race, but their rebuild suggests progress, and a strong top-three finish looks well within reach.
Champions League Qualification: A Wide-Open Race
Beyond the established elite, the race for European football promises to be one of the most compelling storylines.
- Villarreal look dangerous despite losing key names like Thierno Barry and Alex Baena, whose creativity was unmatched last season.
- Athletic Club are poised to challenge strongly after retaining Nico Williams and building on the foundation of last season’s solid defence.
- Real Betis, fresh from reaching the Conference League final, remain a lively contender for a top-five finish.
- Real Sociedad, meanwhile, enter a new era under Sergio Francisco and will hope to bounce back after a disappointing 11th-place finish last season.
The battle for the fourth and fifth Champions League spots will likely involve a rotating cast, with consistency being the deciding factor.
The Relegation Battle: No Clear Favorites
The bottom of the table is equally unpredictable. Newly-promoted sides Real Oviedo, Levante, and Elche all face tough campaigns. Oviedo’s return to the top flight for the first time since 2000-01 is particularly emotional, with veteran Santi Cazorla set for a farewell season.
Newly-Promoted Clubs at a Glance
| Club | Notable Storyline |
|---|---|
| Levante | Back after topping Segunda, seeking stability |
| Real Oviedo | First La Liga appearance in 25 years, led by Cazorla |
| Elche | Fighting to avoid another quick drop after promotion |
Established sides like Getafe and Sevilla are also under pressure. Sevilla’s dramatic decline—from Europa League winners in 2023 to relegation candidates in 2025—is one of Spanish football’s most striking recent stories.
Predicted Final Standings (General Overview)
While predicting a full table is impossible in a league this competitive, here’s a general outlook based on squad strength, summer transfers, and momentum:
- Barcelona – Clear title favourites.
- Real Madrid – Major contenders, could push until the end.
- Atlético Madrid – Rebuilding but strong enough for third.
- Villarreal – Narrow edge in the battle for Champions League.
- Athletic Club – Solid squad, strong chance for Europe.
- Real Betis – Dark horses with attacking flair.
7–10. Osasuna, Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, Valencia – Mid-table challengers.
11–15. Rayo Vallecano, Mallorca, Alavés, Girona, Sevilla – Safe but inconsistent.
16–17. Espanyol, Getafe – Possible relegation battles.
18–20. Levante, Real Oviedo, Elche – Promoted sides face tough survival tests.
The 2025-26 La Liga season has all the ingredients of a classic: a dominant Barcelona looking to defend their crown, a resurgent Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, and an Atlético Madrid rebuild that could restore their status as genuine title challengers.
Add to that an unpredictable Champions League race and a wide-open relegation battle, and it’s clear why this season is being billed as one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Read More: La Liga’s Rising Stars: Top 5 Breakout Candidates Ready to Dominate 2025-26 Season
Also Read: Johnny Cardoso: Atlético Madrid’s Long-Awaited Solution to Five Years of Midfield Chaos
FAQs
Who are the favorites to win La Liga 2025-26?
Barcelona enter as clear favorites after their treble-winning season under Hansi Flick.
Can Real Madrid challenge Barcelona for the title?
Yes. With Xabi Alonso in charge and Kylian Mbappé in form, Madrid are well-placed to push Barcelona.
How strong are Atlético Madrid this season?
Atlético’s rebuild looks promising, especially with Johnny Cardoso arriving to stabilize midfield.
Which clubs are in contention for Champions League spots?
Villarreal, Athletic Club, Real Betis, and Real Sociedad are among the strongest challengers beyond the big three.
Who are the relegation candidates?
The promoted sides—Levante, Real Oviedo, and Elche—face the toughest survival battles, while Sevilla and Getafe could also struggle.
