Let's dance that Flamenco, La Liga is starting!

Tonight at 20.00, in the heat of a Spanish August, the Girona – Rayo Vallecano match kicks off the La Liga season. From August 15 to May 24, after a relatively short break for some, the top-flight teams will battle for their place in the sun — and on the table. As always, Real Madrid and Barcelona are by far the biggest favorites.

This season, eight Spanish clubs will compete in European competitions, a source of pride but also occasional concern when it comes to domestic form. The Valencian region has two new representatives in the top division, Levante and Elche, while the biggest surprise is the return of Real Oviedo after 24 years. For the first time ever, a match — Villarreal vs Barcelona — will take place in the United States, in Miami. Although Javier Tebas sees winning over the American market as a priority, and both clubs are satisfied with the opportunity, the decision has sparked controversy, led by Real Madrid.

After the financial fair play upheavals and the departures of Ronaldo and Messi, La Liga is slowly but surely reclaiming the pedestal it deserves. Lamin Jamal and Kylian Mbappe have been called upon as new symbols of the league, and expectations are high that this season will further consolidate what was hinted at last year.

Barcelona Keeps Its Momentum, Real Remains Uncertain

Judging by pre-season, Barcelona should be unstoppable, at least in the first half of the season. Poor results in previous years have actually helped the Catalans, giving them a long, productive summer — plenty of time to rest and get back into shape.

The best news for Hansi Flick is that the controversial birthday party didn’t affect Lamin Yamal’s footballing abilities, and he hasn’t become a “new Neymar” (yet). The new No. 10 has returned in full strength and promises a brilliant season. Barcelona cruised through pre-season matches in Japan and Korea — despite a few worrying goals conceded — and then thrashed Fabregas’ Como 5-0 at the “Joan Gamper” tournament.

Barca's curse - When genius falls into chaos

Real Madrid, on the other hand, faces other challenges. Xabi Alonso’s squad had only 15 days off after the FIFA Club World Cup. The start of the season may be difficult as the new coach integrates old and new players. If they find momentum, the traditionally strong spring portion of the season could see Real overtake rivals. Vinicius Junior continues to play cat-and-mouse over his contract renewal, and his relationship with Mbappe has a major impact on Real’s play. The Frenchman is gaining influence in the team, scoring two goals in the only pre-season match against Tirol, signaling he’s ready.

After 13 years, this will be the first season without Luka Modric. There are many new faces: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Din Hausen, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Careras, all expected to strengthen the squad and bring a significant refresh, if not a radical transformation. A creator in midfield is still missing. Alonso has moved Arda Guler deeper to give him a bigger role, but it remains to be seen how successful that plan will be.

Atletico, Athletic, and Villarreal – Champions League: Opportunity or obstacle?

Atletico, after an underwhelming finish last season, spent almost 170 million euros in this summer’s market, similar to last year. Perhaps without the sensational impact of Julian Alvarez, but with useful additions like Alex Baena, Jhonny Cardoso, and David Hancko. Simeone’s main goal is rejuvenating a squad that struggled physically during the US trip in June. Following Koke’s departure, another legend — Antoine Griezmann — is moving to a more secondary role this season, mostly starting on the bench.

Athletic Bilbao received their best news from younger Williams. Early in the transfer window, he offered his services to Barcelona, but ultimately didn’t like what he heard. Registration uncertainty, Bilbao’s strict stance, and a promise to carefully monitor Barcelona’s financial fair play were decisive in keeping Nico Williams in the Basque Country. Time will tell whether this was the right decision.

They extend your contract, and then kick you out of the locker room

Other European competitors — Betis, Celta, Rayo Vallecano — have their stories as well. Betis’ final summer friendly in Malaga brought worrying news: Isco Alarcon was injured again. Pellegrini won’t have him for about three months, and Betis is noticeably weaker without him.

In Vigo, Celta prepares for the new season under Claudio Giraldez and their veteran Iago Aspas, returning to European competition after eight years. The club strengthened primarily in attack: Bryan Zaragoza, Ferran Jutgla, and Borja Iglesias remain key pieces. Rayo Vallecano also returns to Europe for only the second time in their history, though UEFA must approve ongoing stadium works before they can host matches at Vallecas. Despite the chaos, the team, training, and preparations run smoothly.

The fight for survival: Valencia, Getafe, Espanyol, Alaves, Girona, Sevilla

Valencia has long led this group, whose goal is simply to stay in La Liga, though adapting remains difficult. Since December, Carlos Corberan has personified the club’s new policy, with owner Peter Lim willing to spend on transfers. New sporting director Ron Gourlay brings Premier League experience, and several reinforcements have arrived, including goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala and forward Arnaou Danzume, alongside renewed contracts for Javier Gera and Dimitri Foulquier. Valencia now must absorb Corberan’s style and ideas, which brought unexpected success last season.

Getafe again identifies with manager Jose Bordalas, who has become a club symbol like Simeone. Ten players left in summer, nine joined, including Juanmi Jimenez from Betis and Mario Martin from Real Madrid Castilla. With Luis Milla, Borja Mayoral, and David Soria, the squad will fight for another season in La Liga.

Espanyol aims for the same goal — survival, ideally without panic in the final rounds, unlike 2024/25. Several new players joined, funded by Joan Garcia’s 25 million euros transfer to Barcelona. Pre-season was positive, including wins over Southampton and Wolfsburg and a draw against Newcastle.

Ter Stegen: 'I feel bad for Garcia'

Alaves, like most lower-table teams, made significant changes. Notable departures include Kike Garcia and Santiago Morino, while former Real Madrid striker Marian Diaz joined but has yet to find form. Girona, having surprised by reaching the Champions League two seasons ago, is expected to do much more. Without European commitments this season, they can focus fully on domestic play, a clear advantage.

Sevilla, who barely avoided relegation last season, faces challenges again. New coach Matias Almeyda and sporting director Antonio Cordon, formerly of Betis, are tasked with improving results, but so far changes are minimal. Like Real Sociedad, they struggle with selling players for the right price.

Overall, the new La Liga season promises intense battles, both at the top and at the bottom. All that remains is for fans to sit back, relax, and enjoy the drama.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

20.00: (2.35) Girona (3.35) Rayo Vallecano (3.30)

22.30: (1.40) Villareal (4.80) Oviedo (9.50)

Saturday

20.30: (6.75) Mallorca (4.40) Barcelona (1.47)

22.30: (2.20) Alaves (3.20) Levante (3.80)

22.30: (2.75) Valencia (2.95) Sociedad (2.85)

Sunday

18.00: (1.75) Celta (3.60) Getafe (5.70)

20.30: (1.62) Ath.Bilbao (3.70) Sevilla (6.00)

22.30: (6.25) Espanyol (3.60) Atl.Madrid (1.62)

Monday

22.00: (3.50) Elche (3.35) Betis (2.25)

Tuesday

22.00: (1.28) Real Madrid (5.70) Osasuna (10.5)

***odds are subject to change***