La Liga 25/26 Preview: How the teams shape up before the start
La Liga kicked off this weekend, August 16th–17th and will conclude in May 2026. The main intrigue of the upcoming season is whether Atlético will intervene in the clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Many experts who give football betting tips consider them teams of different levels, making the likelihood of such an outcome very low. Last season, Barcelona claimed the championship, but Real Madrid and Atlético fought strongly for the title.
Key Teams: Transfers, Coaching Staff, Preseason Form
Barcelona’s advantage is their virtuoso style of play. They proved this to fans last season, finishing four points ahead of Real Madrid and securing victory with a comfortable margin. Barcelona holds the distinction of being the most attacking team in Europe. Under Flick’s leadership, the trio (Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jamal) made significant progress. However, the team lost Martínez over the summer.
Currently, the Blaugrana have signed:
● Joan Garcia from Espanyol. According to last season’s data, Garcia was recognised as a leader in post-shot xGA (the difference between expected and actual goals conceded).
● Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. This measured decision aims to deepen the squad. With Rashford, the coach plans to make Barcelona’s position in the league more stable over the course of the season.
These transfers were made under serious financial difficulties faced by Barcelona. According to insiders, this is why Díaz and Williams declined offers. The upcoming season will show whether the team can maintain its progress under Flick.
Real Madrid’s advantage is their squad. Before the season started, the Madrid side underwent changes. Alonso replaced Ancelotti as coach. Transfers have dramatically strengthened the defence, which had been a concern due to injuries to key players.
● In total, the club spent over €100 million on Alexander-Arnold, Carreras, and Heisen.
● €45 million was paid for Mastantuono, who will take the attacking midfielder position upon reaching adulthood.
The bench is considered at least as talented as the starting lineup.
● Díaz, if he were at Barcelona, would play regularly in the first team. At Real Madrid, he remains among the substitutes.
● Rodrigo did not make the World Cup squad due to high competition.
● Carvajal will not play because of Trent’s arrival.
● Mendy is considered the world’s best defender, and Real recently bought another player for this position.
Alonso’s effectiveness as a coach and his ability to manage a star-studded squad are possibly among the key intrigues of La Liga.
The Dark Horse: a Team with Leadership Ambitions
Last season, Atlético confidently competed with Barcelona and Real Madrid for the top spot, even leading for a period, which surprised many in football prediction.
In the second half of the championship, they lacked stamina and lost their chances of winning almost all tournaments. To address these gaps, Atlético worked carefully to strengthen their squad, spending about €150 million on transfers. The club acquired players such as Baena, Cardoso, Ganczko, Pubill, and Ruggeri.
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