La Liga 2025/26 kicks off on August 15, 2025. Big players are moving, new plays are set, and three teams – Levante, Elche, and Real Oviedo – have come up from below to take the spots of Leganés, Las Palmas, and Valladolid. This year has the look of big thrills from the first match to the last.

Real Madrid: Alonso Brings Fresh Energy

A New Era Under Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid start the season as mild favorites. The team picked Xabi Alonso, who just did well with Bayer Leverkusen, to use a 4-3-3 plan that likes keeping the ball at the Bernabéu. Fans keen to see how his style fits in La Liga will have a lot to talk about.

Key Transfers and Squad Analysis

Real’s summer business focused on defensive solidity. Notable arrivals include:

• Dean Huijsen: A highly rated young center-back.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold: A strong right-back with great aim on the ball.
• Álvaro Carreras: A useful full-back who adds help at the back.

With Alexander-Arnold’s great passes from the right, Kylian Mbappé – who got 31 goals last time and won the Pichichi – looks like he will top the Golden Boot race once more.

Barcelona: Title Defense with Cautious Spending

Squad Management Under Financial Pressure

Defending champions Barcelona approach the 2025/26 season with ambition but also restraint. Financial limits forced the club to be careful in the transfer market.

Key Signings

• Joan García: A new, young goalkeeper brought in to push Marc-André ter Stegen.
• Marcus Rashford (loan): For a full season, he comes from Manchester United, and aims to bring speed and creativity in the front.

Barcelona made up for these new adds by selling off less-used players to fix their cash flow. Their main team stays strong, but how deep they are could cause them problems over many games.

Tactical Outlook

With Flick at the helm, Barcelona will keep up their fast, ball-holding game. Now with Rashford on board, next to Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, their front line seems strong. Yet, a lot rests on if the midfield can back up both defense and attack.

Atlético Madrid: Simeone’s Expensive Gamble

A Summer of Change

Atlético Madrid is the third pick. Diego Simeone, known for his tight game plan, has put a lot of cash into creative players this year.

Key Signings

• Alex Baena: A lively winger to stretch defenses.
• David Hancko: Defensive reinforcement from Feyenoord.
• Johnny Cardoso: A midfielder who’s all about energy and pushing hard.
• Thiago Almada: A skilled playmaker who can break through tough defenses.

Tactical Shift

These additions hint at a move away from Simeone’s defensive-first style. If Almada and Baena settle quickly, Atlético could play a more expansive game than in recent years. The risk, of course, is integrating so many new faces at once.

Change in Game Plan

These new players show a shift from Simeone’s usual defense-first way. If Almada and Baena settle well fast, Atlético might play a wider open game than before. The big worry is fitting in a lot of new players all at once.

Dark Horses: Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao & Real Betis

Villarreal: Quiet Ambition

Villarreal gave Nicolás Pépé a longer deal and brought in Alberto Moleiro, a skilled player who may light up their game. Their team mixes experience with young power, which makes them a good pick for the top four.

Athletic Bilbao: Basque Pride

Athletic remain loyal to their academy-first philosophy. Nico and Iñaki Williams will once again carry the attacking load, with fans hoping their partnership propels the club into European contention.

Real Betis: Stability as a Strength

Under Manuel Pellegrini, Betis have a firm team and they push hard in their play. Their strong team work and steady play make them a good bet for a Champions League spot.

The Pichichi Race: Mbappé vs the Rest

Last year, Mbappé’s 31 goals made him a big win. While he’s the top pick, many rivals are keen to take him on.

Top Contenders

• Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): Still sharp in the box.
• Ferran Torres (Barcelona): Brings mix of plays and scores.
• Antoine Griezmann (Atlético): Good for goals and smart plays.
• Alexander Sørloth (Villarreal): Dependable at scoring, shines in big matches.

Games to Keep an Eye On

La Liga’s list has a lot of big games. This year’s top picks are:

• Matchday 1 (15 August 2025): First round has all three promoted clubs.
• 26 October 2025: First El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.
• 10 May 2026: The next El Clásico at Camp Nou, could turn the tide for the title.
• Last Day Thrills (June 2026): The fight to stay up or make it to Europe always has twists.

Promoted Clubs: Levante, Elche & Real Oviedo

Levante

Back in La Liga, Levante will rely on their attacking trio and home support to secure survival. Their high-energy style could trouble mid-table opponents.

Elche

Elche have rebuilt steadily, focusing on defensive solidity. Their goal is simple: stay up and grow into a competitive force.

Real Oviedo

The most romantic story of the three. Oviedo is back in the top league after many years away. They bring keen fans and a good team with them.

These teams might not fight for the top spot, but their fight to stay up makes the season even more interesting.

Betting Outlook for La Liga 2025/26

Beyond the title race and Pichichi, several markets attract bettors:

• Top Four Finish: Strong value on Betis and Villarreal.
• Relegation Battle: Elche and Oviedo face tough odds to survive.

Looking Ahead to La Liga 2025/26

The La Liga 2025/26 season seems like it might be one of the most head-to-head in a long time. From Xabi Alonso’s fresh Real Madrid, to Barcelona’s fight to keep the top spot, to Atlético’s risk on strong attack, the race at the top will be tight. Put in keen underdogs like Villarreal and Betis, the comeback of old clubs like Real Oviedo, and an exciting top scorer battle with Mbappé in the front, and fans are set for a season full of ups and downs.