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Real Madrid is once again the favorite to win La Liga this year, but their path to securing a consecutive Spanish league title for the first time since 2008 is far from easy.
Despite being the reigning champions with a record 15th Champions League trophy under their belt, Los Blancos will have to overcome three major threats to claim the title in the 2024/25 season.
Athletic Bilbao: The Dark Horse of La Liga
Athletic Bilbao is emerging as a dark horse in this year’s La Liga race. Under the leadership of Ernesto Valverde, the team has the potential to surpass their fifth-place finish from last season. Their confidence is bolstered by winning the 2024 Copa del Rey, where they knocked out heavyweights Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. With this momentum, Bilbao is poised to challenge the top teams in the league.
The Basque club managed to retain their star winger, Nico Williams, despite strong interest from Barcelona. Williams, who has been in elite form following Euro 2024, will be pivotal in Bilbao’s campaign. “Athletic Bilbao is more than capable of making a serious run for the title this year,” said one analyst. Their renewed energy and strategic squad retention make them a team to watch.
Atletico Madrid: Real Madrid’s Persistent Rivals
Atletico Madrid, led by the ever-determined Diego Simeone, remains a formidable opponent for Real Madrid. Although they finished fourth last season, 19 points behind Los Blancos, Atletico achieved what no other team could—they handed Real Madrid their only loss of the 2023/24 La Liga season and eliminated them from the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16.
Simeone’s squad has been strengthened by the signings of Robin Le Normand, part of Spain’s winning defense at Euro 2024, and Julian Alvarez, fresh from his Copa America victory with Argentina. With these additions, Atletico Madrid is in a strong position to challenge for the title. “For the first time since 2021, Simeone has a squad capable of going all the way,” noted a sports commentator.
Barcelona: The Eternal Rival
Barcelona, as always, remains the biggest threat to Real Madrid’s La Liga aspirations. Historically, every time Real Madrid has won the league in the past decade, Barcelona has finished second. Last season, Barcelona ended 10 points behind Real Madrid, a gap that led to the dismissal of Xavi Hernandez after three seasons as manager.
Now under the guidance of former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona is determined to reclaim the top spot. Despite the change in leadership, Barcelona boasts a star-studded lineup with players like Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. Additionally, the team’s young talents, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Fermin Lopez, were instrumental in Spain’s gold-winning campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“Barcelona’s depth and talent make them a serious contender,” said one football expert. With their renewed focus under Flick, Barcelona is set to push Real Madrid to the limit in the race for the La Liga title.
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Real Madrid will need to navigate these challenges to secure another La Liga crown. The competition is fierce, and Los Blancos will have to be at their best to overcome these formidable rivals. The stage is set for an exciting and closely contested season in Spanish football.