With the dust settling on the end of the La Liga season, clubs are already making decisions ahead of next year. The transfer market has sprung into motion, while various managers are jumping on and off the coaching carousel. For Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, the objective is simple — knock Barcelona off their perch.
The Catalan side have won the last two league titles in relatively comfortable fashion, winning six of their last seven Clasicos against Real Madrid over the past two seasons, while finishing 25 points ahead of Atletico, although that gap was impacted by Los Colchoneros prioritising cup competitions.
A look at the La Liga title race odds already positions Barcelona as favourites to retain their crown once again.
Hansi Flick’s side certainly have stability in their favour. Flick is entering his third season at the club, and Barcelona have built their squad around a consistent core of talented young Spanish players, with quality additions like Raphinha adding another dimension to the side.
The major question mark for the Catalans will be how they replace the goals of Robert Lewandowski, who departed this summer.
At Real Madrid, there is promise of major change following the upcoming presidential elections, which will take place in early June. Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to be replaced — potentially by Jose Mourinho should Florentino Perez win the elections — with the focus likely to be on building a more disciplined defence and a more cohesive unit after several disciplinary issues over the past two seasons.
It remains unclear who Real Madrid will target in the transfer market, but they appear to need a central midfielder, especially given how much the position has troubled them since Toni Kroos retired.
The arrival of Apollo Sports Capital as the new owners at Atletico Madrid sparked optimism that Los Colchoneros could challenge for La Liga more consistently. Their squad has steadily improved over the last two seasons, but between significant player turnover and unresolved issues in key positions, Diego Simeone still faces a difficult task convincing doubters that Atletico can genuinely challenge for the title next season.
There is little doubt that Barcelona will believe they possess both the quality and structure required to fend off their two biggest challengers once again. However, it remains rare for one side to win three consecutive league titles — this season marked the first successful title defence in Spain for seven years. Both Madrid clubs will hope a busy summer can help close the gap.
