As the 2025/26 La Liga season is set to begin, Spanish football promises a captivating blend of high-stakes rivalries, historic comebacks, and intense battles across the table. From the race for the title to the fight for survival, here are five key storylines, packed with context and insights, to watch this season.
La Liga 2025/26 Title Race: Can Barcelona Defend Their Crown Against Real Madrid and Atlético?
The race for the La Liga title promises to be an exciting competition, with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid as the leading contenders, and Atlético Madrid posing as a potential dark horse. Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, secured the title last season and boasts a dynamic attacking lineup led by rising star Lamine Yamal.
The recent addition of Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United enhances their offensive capabilities. However, the departure of Iñigo Martínez to the Saudi Pro League has left a gap in defense, which the club has not addressed. Furthermore, financial constraints and the ongoing situation with Marc-André ter Stegen have created tension within the team.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, now under the management of Xabi Alonso, is eager to reclaim supremacy after a disastrous campaign. Kylian Mbappé begins his second season with “Los Blancos” with a clear aspiration to establish a commanding presence on the pitch.
The squad has made notable additions, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono, creating a blend of youth and experience.
Fans have already seen glimpses of Alonso’s playing style during the Club World Cup, where the team performed well and reached the semifinals. Alonso’s tactical expertise, developed at Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to make Madrid a formidable force.
However, with only two weeks of preseason leading up to their first league match against Osasuna, it is uncertain how prepared the squad will be when the season begins.
While the title is typically contested between these two Spanish giants, Atlético Madrid cannot be overlooked. They have made significant investments in their team for the upcoming seasons, with signings like Álex Baena and Johnny Cardoso adding flair to a strong squad, led by Julián Álvarez in attack. There is no doubt that Atlético possesses both defensive solidity and attacking prowess, making them a potential disruptor in the title race. The key question is whether Diego Simeone will allow his team to be more adventurous and attempt a title challenge if the big two stumble out of the starting blocks.
Real Oviedo’s 2025/26 La Liga Comeback: 24 Years Later and Ready for Survival Battle
La Liga welcomes back Real Oviedo, who return to the top tier for the first time since 2001. Their return is not only a sporting achievement but also a testament to their resilience after surviving financial ruin and struggles in the lower leagues.
The club’s financial troubles caused Real Oviedo to drop to the fourth tier by 2004, and they came close to extinction in 2012. Luckily, the club was able to avoid folding thanks to a high-profile crowdfunding campaign and support from notable figures.
- Former Oviedo players Juan Mata, Michu, and Santi Cazorla purchased shares and used their platforms to rally support.
- Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim invested $2.5 million, becoming the majority shareholder.
- Additionally, Real Madrid got involved by purchasing €100,000 worth of shares during the campaign and transferring them to Oviedo’s city council to support long-term stability.
After Mexican company Grupo Pachuca acquired a large majority stake in the club, Real Oviedo has achieved financial stability. The ownership group has made significant investments that have contributed to the club’s return to the first division. This marks a historic moment for the Asturian club, as they prepare to celebrate their 100th anniversary in the upcoming season.
Under the management of Veljko Paunović, the team combines youthful talent with seasoned experience, led by veteran Santi Cazorla as captain. Real Oviedo’s passionate fanbase at Estadio Carlos Tartiere will be a crucial support, but the team’s modest budget and limited top-flight experience present significant challenges in their efforts to avoid relegation.
Nevertheless, their history suggests they won’t go down without a fight, and it remains to be seen whether Real Oviedo can create another memorable chapter in their centennial year.
Life After Imanol: How Real Sociedad’s New Coach Sergio Francisco Plans to Keep Them in the Top Six
Real Sociedad will have new leadership following the departure of head coach Imanol Alguacil, who led the team to consistent top-six finishes, Champions League qualification, and the Copa del Rey title.
Like they did with Alguacil, the club’s management has opted for an internal promotion, elevating Sergio Francisco from the Real Sociedad B team. Francisco has demonstrated exemplary performance with the reserve squad, leading them to gain promotion to the Segunda División; however, he remains a relative unknown at the elite competitive level.
However, Francisco inherits a talented squad, including Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo, and new signing Gonçalo Guedes, and he won’t have the issue of balancing European competitions as Sociedad aim for a top-six finish this season. Additionally, Real Sociedad is one of the few clubs in La Liga that is patient with their coaches, allowing them to develop their skills.
Francisco’s high-pressing, possession-based approach aligns with the club’s identity, but his inexperience could lead to growing pains. Sociedad’s success hinges on Francisco’s ability to unify the squad and adapt to La Liga’s tactical demands. Although promoting from within does not guarantee success, only time will determine the effectiveness of this managerial appointment.
Can Sevilla Avoid Another La Liga Relegation Scare in 2025/26 Under Matías Almeyda?
Sevilla has faced challenging seasons both on and off the field, managing to stave off relegation in the 2024/25 campaign by just one point. This narrow escape has raised concerns for a club that is typically accustomed to top-six finishes and success in the Europa League. With ambitions to return to European competition, the club’s management has taken a significant risk by hiring Matías Almeyda as their new manager.
Although Almeyda had a brief playing career at Sevilla, his resume does not strongly indicate that he is the right fit for a club of Sevilla’s caliber. His previous managerial accomplishments include winning a Greek title with AEK Athens, securing the CONCACAF Champions League with Deportivo Guadalajara, and promoting River Plate back to the Argentine First Division in 2012.
Almeyda now becomes Sevilla’s seventh manager since 2023, and his key responsibility is to restore the team’s pride and competitiveness. Important players such as Nemanja Gudelj, Ruben Vargas, and striker Isaac Romero will need to perform at a high level.
However, there is a concern regarding the squad’s lack of depth, particularly in defense. Last season’s close call with relegation has left its mark, and some analysts predict that Sevilla could find themselves in danger of dropping down again if they do not improve their defensive capabilities. Almeyda’s high-energy approach could either spark a revival or lead the team back into a relegation battle.
La Liga 2025/26 Relegation Predictions: Which Clubs Are in the Most Danger?
The relegation battle in La Liga is always a tough and competitive affair, and this season is shaping up to be no different. The newly promoted teams, Levante, Elche, and Real Oviedo, will be the most vulnerable contenders this season.
Real Oviedo, in particular, faces significant challenges as they make their long-awaited return to La Liga for the first time since 2001. However, established clubs like Getafe, Alavés, and Espanyol are also at risk of relegation. Getafe’s lack of attacking power and Alavés’s defensive weaknesses could spell trouble for them, while Espanyol’s inconsistent form leaves them exposed.
Girona, who were involved in the relegation fight last season, could find themselves in a precarious position again after losing key players. Even renowned teams like Sevilla and Valencia, both of whom are plagued by financial issues, could become surprise candidates for relegation if their performances falter and they start the season poorly. No matter which teams are in the fight to avoid relegation, one thing is certain: the battle to remain in the league will be fierce and unrelenting.
Javier Martinez is a seasoned veteran of football coverage and an expert on Spanish football. He has been covering world football for more than seven years with bylines at outlets such as The 18 and The Real Champs.