It's as if the sun shines a little brighter as La Liga returns. The sound of the fans singing, the smell of freshly cut grass, the pulse racing as the players take to the pitch – it's more than just football. For those of us who live and breathe the Spanish league, it's a day of joy. A new season means new stories to tell, new heroes to celebrate and new moments that make us get up from our seats.
We are facing a journey through 38 rounds, where Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético chase trophies, while the outsiders dream of writing their own chapter in history. Some will rise from the ashes, others will fall heavily under the pressure. Some will shock the entire football world, while others will barely keep their heads above water. In La Liga, there are no guarantees - only promises of drama, passion and top-class football.
From the vast stadiums to the intimate arenas where the audience stands close to the pitch, we will once again experience technique, tactics and temperament at the highest level. Here one pass can change everything, one moment define a season, and one player become immortal in an instant.
For those of us who love Spanish football, this is more than just the start of a new season – it's a reunion with an old friend. A friend who always offers surprises, who always makes us smile, tear our hair out, and dream big. La Liga 2025/26 is here. The adventure begins now.
And here at 90 Minute Family, we give you our prediction of how the table will end up when all is said and done. We know it's impossible to predict with 100% certainty - the beauty of football lies precisely in its unpredictability - but this is our analysis, our assessments and our best attempt to read the future. Whether we're right remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the journey there is going to be spectacular.
1. Barcelona
Barcelona enter the season as reigning champions after Hansi Flick led the club to both the league title, cup gold and super cup in his first season. He has spent a year establishing his playing style, and the team appears more cohesive than last season. Offensively, Barcelona was the league's most productive team with over 100 goals, driven by profiles such as Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha and a midfield with Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong. Continuity is a big advantage - key players have extended their contracts, and Flick himself is secured until 2027. The challenges lie in financial restrictions that could delay the registration of newcomers such as Marcus Rashford and Joan García, and the fact that the width of the defense is still vulnerable. Nevertheless, Barcelona is better equipped than its main rivals to deliver consistently over 38 rounds, and with Flick's offensive philosophy and a more complete squad, they are the favorite to defend the league title.
2. Real Madrid
Real Madrid enters the 2025/26 season with Xabi Alonso as the new head coach after a summer in which the club has both been active in the transfer market and participated in the Club World Cup, which has given a short and compressed preparation. The squad has been strengthened with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, while the attack is still led by Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and for now Rodrygo is also here. The midfield is one of the league's most complete, but the absence of Jude Bellingham in the first months after shoulder surgery will be felt. Quality has been added to the defense, but several new players must quickly find interaction. Participation in the Club World Cup has provided valuable match training against strong opposition, but at the same time shortened the rest and preparation time before the start of the season. Xabi Alonso is known for building teams with a clear structure and clear distribution of roles, which may be exactly what Real Madrid has lacked to become more stable over an entire season. With the right balance, they can push Barcelona all the way, but the combination of a new coach, injury absences and a busy start means they are initially considered a tricky second in the title race.
3. Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid enter the 2025/26 season with Diego Simeone still at the helm, but with a significantly renewed squad. The club has invested heavily this summer, bringing in profiles such as Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, Dávid Hancko, Marc Pubill, Giacomo Raspadori and Juan Musso. These signings give the team more creativity, breadth and flexibility, while also adding hunger and energy. At the same time, several established names have left the club, including Thomas Lemar, Rodrigo De Paul, Ángel Correa, Saúl Ñíguez, Samuel Lino and Axel Witsel, which creates both a new dynamic and a need for quick adaptation. Atlético retains a solid core with Jan Oblak, Koke and Antoine Griezmann, but major changes to the starting eleven could result in an uneven start. Simeone has previously shown an ability to mold young and newly composed groups into competitive units, and with the combination of experience and fresh legs, Atlético should be able to fight for the top four. Nevertheless, an early loss of points in a warm-up phase could cause the team to fall slightly behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the title race.
4. Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad enter the 2025/26 season without European competition and with Sergio Francisco as the new head coach following the departure of Imanol Alguacil. He has led the team to a positive start and has signalled a flexible tactical approach. In the transfer market, the club have brought in Gonçalo Guedes to strengthen the attack and Duje Caleta-Car on loan to provide more experience and breadth in defence. At the same time, they have lost midfield boss Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal for a large sum, a loss that can be felt both defensively and in the build-up of the game. The squad still has quality in players such as Sheraldo Becker and Mikel Oyarzabal, and several young talents are ready to take on bigger roles. Without the burden of midweek matches in Europe, Real Sociedad can concentrate fully on the league, which could give them an advantage throughout the season. If Francisco can set the team early and find a solution to the absence of Zubimendi, the club has the potential to fight for a place high in the top half.
5. Seville
Sevilla enter the 2025/26 season with Matías Almeyda as their new head coach. He comes in with the ambition of rebuilding the club after several years of instability and poor results, and places great emphasis on structure and a clear division of roles. However, the squad is marked by financial challenges, and several of the summer's signings cannot be registered until the club frees up wage funds through sales. Goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos has been brought in to create competition between the posts, but he too depends on player departures to be ready to play. At the start of the season, the club had only a dozen registered players, which gives Almeyda a demanding start. Sevilla still has a core of experienced players who can lift the team if the newcomers get into place early. With Almeyda's leadership and without the burden of Europe, Sevilla should have a good chance of stabilizing in the upper half, but a slow start could quickly drag them into the middle tier.
6. Valencia
Valencia enters the 2025/26 season with Carlos Corberán as head coach and a clear goal of lifting the club after several years in the bottom half. A new financial strategy has made room for important reinforcements, and Baptiste Santamaría and Filip Ugrinić have arrived to strengthen the midfield, among others. Arnaut Danjuma has been brought in to provide more impact in attack, while Julen Agirrezabala provides better coverage in the goalkeeping position. At the same time, the club has lost profiles such as center back Cristhian Mosquera to Arsenal and Fran Pérez to Rayo Vallecano, which gives new players the opportunity to take on greater responsibility. Javi Guerra has extended his contract until 2029 and is expected to be a key player in Corberán's system. With a more balanced squad and without European pressure, Valencia has good conditions to climb the table. If the new players settle in quickly, the club can establish themselves safely in the top half.
7. Real Betis
Real Betis enter 2025/26 with newfound confidence after a season that gave them both a European trophy in sight and a taste of the big stage. Under Manuel Pellegrini, the team made it all the way to the Conference League final in the spring of 2025, where they were beaten by Chelsea. Although they didn't win, the journey gave the club experience, confidence and a sense that they can once again assert themselves outside of Spain.
This season, the Europa League awaits, which means more midweek matches and higher sporting demands. Pellegrini knows what it takes to balance multiple tournaments, but Betis' season will depend on how well the squad can handle the strain. The summer has therefore been used to bring in both quality and width – especially in midfield and on the wings – to relieve experienced key players such as Nabil Fekir and Isco. In addition, steps have been taken in the defense after a season with too many goals conceded in the league.
Pellegrini's philosophy of technical, possession-based football is intact, but with stiff competition in La Liga from the likes of Valencia, Real Sociedad and Sevilla for European spots, efficiency in front of goal and rotation in key positions are crucial. The Europa League could provide a sporting boost, but history shows that Spanish teams without top-four breadth often struggle to maintain league form throughout a long autumn.
As of August 2025, Betis appear better equipped than a year ago, but also with a tougher season ahead of them. The ambition is clear: to assert themselves in Europe while staying in the top six in La Liga. Whether they succeed will depend on the injury situation, the performances of the newcomers – and Pellegrini's ability to balance two demanding fronts.
8. Villarreal
Villarreal enter the 2025/26 season with a Champions League place in their bag after a strong finish last year, but also with major changes in the squad. Marcelino has brought in several profiles such as Thomas Partey, Tajon Buchanan, Santiago Mouriño and Alberto Moleiro to give the team more physicality, speed and creativity. Partey adds experience and defensive balance in midfield, Buchanan strengthens the winger, while Moleiro provides technical quality in the offensive line. In defense, Mouriño has been brought in, but the club is still working to bring in an extra defender and a striker – with Artem Dovbyk as a current name – after injuries to both Logan Costa and Willy Kambwala.
On the outfield, the loss of Álex Baena to Atlético Madrid has left a void in creativity, and it will be challenging to replace his production from midfield. European competition increases the strain on the squad, and Villarreal are vulnerable to injuries to key players. At the same time, the signing of Partey has created debate among fans, adding an extra layer of noise around the club.
With a strong starting eleven, but still question marks over their width, Villarreal have enough quality to be in the top 6 race. However, the double burden of the league and Champions League could drag them down towards the middle tier if they don't get the last pieces in before the transfer window closes.
9. Athletic Club
Athletic Club enter the 2025/26 season with Ernesto Valverde still in charge after a strong season last year that saw them finish fourth and return to the Champions League for the first time in ten years. The club is sticking to its unique recruitment policy, but has still managed to retain key players – most significantly, Nico Williams has signed a long-term contract despite interest from several big clubs. In defence, the team has suffered a setback with the suspension of Yeray Álvarez, which has thinned out the squad at the back. As a result, efforts are being made to bring back Aymeric Laporte as a quick fix. From the academy, Maroan Sannadi and Mikel Jauregizar have made great strides and provide the team with new options. With Valverde's established system, continuity in key positions and offensive threats such as the Williams brothers and Oihan Sancet, Athletic should be able to fight for a top-six finish. At the same time, the pressure of the Champions League and the thin defensive coverage could make it difficult to repeat last year's top-four finish.
10. Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo enter the 2025/26 season with Claudio Giráldez as head coach and a squad that has been strengthened in key positions. Goalkeeper Ionuț Radu, midfielder Ilaix Moriba and striker Ferran Jutglà have joined, the latter from Club Brugge to add goals and flexibility in the attacking game. The club has also brought Borja Iglesias back to Galicia, which brings both quality and a strong identity for the supporters. Bryan Zaragoza has arrived on loan from Bayern Munich, with a purchase clause that will be activated if he plays the majority of the matches and the team finishes in the top half.
The pre-season has been solid, including a win against Wolves, and Giráldez has worked to combine offensive threats and defensive structure. However, the left side is an uncertain point, with several players out or recently back from injury, and new arrival Jan Oliveras is expected to take time to settle into the team. The squad is not large, but the reinforcements are targeted and add quality. If key players remain injury-free, Celta have a good chance of establishing themselves in the upper midfield and challenging for a European place.
11. Osasuna
Osasuna enter the 2025/26 season with Alessio Lisci as the new head coach after Vicente Moreno left the club. Lisci will be tasked with stabilizing the team and building on a solid foundation, but will also have to make his mark on the style of play. The club has strengthened with right-back Valentín Rosier, who replaces Jesús Areso after his transfer to Athletic Club, and winger Víctor Muñoz (Viti) from Real Madrid Castilla, who adds speed and creativity. In addition, Iker Benito and Ander Yoldi are back from loans and provide more options offensively. On the downside, several experienced names have left the squad, which means that the width is thinner than desired, especially in defense and central line. Lisci must quickly find a working balance between the established and the new players to ensure a safe position. With a couple of more key players, Osasuna can stabilize in the middle of the table, but without reinforcements they risk being dragged into the bottom battle.
12. Majorca
Mallorca enter the 2025/26 season after a quiet but focused summer in the transfer market. The most high-profile signing is Pablo Torre from Barcelona, a creative midfielder who adds offensive power and passing quality to the team. In the goalkeeper position, Lucas Bergström has joined from Chelsea on a free transfer to provide competition and width. The club is also working on bringing in Marash Kumbulla from Roma on loan to strengthen the defense, an area where the squad still appears vulnerable. CEO Alfonso Díaz has been clear that the work to complete the squad is in full swing, and that several players can both leave and come in before the window closes. With Torre as a creative engine and a new goalkeeper in place, Mallorca has strengthened itself in key areas, but success will depend on whether they can close the defensive gaps. If they succeed in that, the team has a good chance of establishing themselves securely in the midfield.
13. Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano enter the 2025/26 season with renewed energy after securing European football for the first time in 25 years. Íñigo Pérez continues as head coach and will have the pleasure of leading the team in the Conference League while ensuring a secure place in La Liga. The club has had an active transfer window with several targeted reinforcements. Augusto Batalla has been permanently signed from River Plate to ensure stability in goal, Luiz Felipe has arrived on a free transfer from Marseille to strengthen the central defence, and Gerard Gumbau has been loaned from Granada to provide experience and balance in midfield. In addition, left-back Jozhua Vertrouwd has joined with an option to buy, and Fran Pérez has been signed from Valencia to provide more speed and creativity on the wing.
Although the core of last year's squad has been retained, some players have left the club, including Raúl de Tomás on loan to Qatar. The squad seems more balanced than before, but European games will provide a much tighter match schedule than they are used to. If they can rotate without losing too much quality, Rayo have good conditions to establish themselves in the middle tier. The risk is that the pressure in Europe could go beyond league performance, which makes a new top 8 finish a big challenge.
14. Girona
Girona enter the 2025/26 season with Míchel Sánchez still in charge, but with tighter finances than before. The club has adopted a low-cost strategy in the transfer market, bringing in players without a transfer fee, including Thomas Lemar on loan from Atlético Madrid, Axel Witsel on a free transfer, Hugo Rincón on loan from Athletic and Vítor Reis on loan from Manchester City. These signings add experience and breadth, but the squad still has clear gaps, especially in the forward and left wing positions. The aim is to strengthen these positions before the transfer window closes, but funds are limited. Last year's key players have largely been retained, but the squad appears thinner than its rivals in the top half. If Girona avoid injuries and the new signings take effect quickly, they could stabilize in the middle of the table. However, without the necessary reinforcements, they risk ending up in the bottom half and having to fight to avoid being dragged into the relegation zone.
15. Levante
Levante enter the 2025/26 season as a newly promoted team under the management of Julián Calero, and the club have spent the summer bringing in a number of reinforcements to strengthen their chances of retaining their place. Unai Elgezabal returns as an important leader in defense, Jon Ander Olasagasti has been brought in from Real Sociedad to give the midfield more balance, and Matías Moreno comes on loan from Fiorentina as a flexible option in defense. Offensively, Goduine Koyalipou has been loaned from Lens after a goal-threatening period at CSKA Sofia, while Kervin Arriaga from Partizan adds experience in the middle. In addition, young Alan Matturro has been loaned from Genoa, and Jeremy Toljan has been signed to provide quality in the back position.
The challenge for Levante is that several of the newcomers were not registered for the start of the season, and some are struggling with minor injuries. This means that Calero will have to start the season with a reduced squad. If the club can get the registrations in place quickly and avoid new injury problems, they will have assembled a team with enough quality and breadth to secure renewed contracts, and perhaps even surprise in some matches.
16. Getafe
Getafe enter the 2025/26 season with José Bordalás still at the helm and a number of new players coming in to strengthen the team. Mario Martín has been brought in on loan from Real Madrid to add youthful energy and passing power to the midfield, while Javi Muñoz comes from Las Palmas to provide work capacity and stability. In defence, Abdel Abqar has been brought in from Alavés and Kiko Femenía from Villarreal to provide both physicality and experience, while “Davinchi” Cordón provides extra width at the back. Offensively, Adrián Liso has been brought in on loan from Zaragoza to add speed and unpredictability, and Álex Sancris returns to the club to contribute on the wings.
On the downside, Getafe have lost a key player in Omar Alderete, who has been sold to Sunderland, in addition to several experienced names such as Carles Aleñá and Juan Bernat. The squad has thus gained more width, but at the same time lost a leader type in defense. If the new signings adapt quickly and Bordalás gets the defensive structure set, Getafe have a good chance of establishing themselves safely in mid-table and being difficult to beat at home.
17. Espanyol
Espanyol returned to La Liga ahead of the 2024/25 season and delivered a solid season, staying out of the relegation zone and securing a safe mid-table position. Coach Luis García Plaza has established a compact and structured style of play, with a focus on defensive frames and quick transitions. The team has been particularly solid at home at the Stage Front Stadium, where organisation and collective effort have resulted in many even matches in their favour.
The summer of 2025, however, has dealt Espanyol a significant setback in the form of the sale of goalkeeper Joan García to Barcelona. García was one of La Liga's most reliable goalkeepers last season, with a save percentage of around 76% and one of the league's best statistics, meaning he saved more goals than would be expected based on the quality of the chances. He made several crucial saves in close games and kept six clean sheets, often in games where the margins were minimal. The loss of such a confident and responsive last bulwark could cost Espanyol many points over the course of a season.
In the transfer market, the club has strengthened its width and offensive power, but without bringing in a goalkeeper of García's level. This could be a critical point, especially since the team still relies on winning close games with small goal differences. Offensive profiles such as Javi Puado and Martin Braithwaite must deliver consistently, and the new arrivals must contribute quickly to compensate for the loss of García.
Espanyol still appear to be a hard-working and tactically disciplined team, but without their key goalkeeper from last season, they are at greater risk of conceding more goals – and thus being drawn closer to the relegation battle. How the club handles this transition could be decisive in whether they remain comfortably in mid-table or have to fight for survival.
18. Alaves
Alavés enter the 2025/26 season with Eduardo Coudet at the helm, and with a clear objective of building on the solid defensive line that secured a renewed La Liga contract last year. The team was difficult to break down in 2024/25, especially at Mendizorroza, where they took the majority of their points through close and physically intense matches.
The summer of 2025 has been marked by carefully selected reinforcements, but also the loss of important pieces. The club has had to say goodbye to veteran striker Kike García, who was an important contributor in the dressing room and in the final minutes of regular matches. On the plus side, Alavés has brought in several young players with potential, as well as experienced contributors to keep the competition up in the squad. The greatest strength still lies at the back, with a solid goalkeeping duo and a compact defense led by players such as Abdelkabir Abqar and Rubén Duarte.
Still, the challenge is clear: goal production. Last year, Alavés scored the second fewest goals in La Liga, and without clear reinforcements at the top, they could easily find themselves in the same situation again. The club has shown interest in bringing in a mobile striker to provide more speed and depth in attack, but as of August 2025, it is still unclear whether that signing will come to fruition.
With a tough opening schedule and several of their direct competitors reinforced, Alavés must rely on their defensive structure to hold up, while young attacking players step up. If they manage to turn Mendizorroza into a fortress and steal points away, they have a good chance of staying, but the margins may be small, and another season in the bottom half seems most likely.
19. Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo enter the 2025/26 season with renewed confidence after securing promotion to La Liga for the first time in 24 years, and much of the credit goes to Veljko Paunović. He took over in March 2025, when the club was in an intense playoff race, and managed to shape a team that was both tactically disciplined and mentally tough. Under his leadership, a greater emphasis was placed on defensive structure, quick transitions and a collective work ethic that carried the team all the way to promotion through the playoff final against Mirandés.
Paunović has extensive experience from both MLS, international football and previous stints in Spanish football, giving him the tools to adapt to the level of La Liga. The club have used the summer wisely to strengthen the squad with a mix of seasoned La Liga profiles and younger, hungry players – while retaining key players from the promotion season, such as captain Borja Bastón.
The Estadio Carlos Tartiere will be one of the team's biggest advantages. The strong home support could be crucial in close matches against direct rivals in the relegation battle. Realistically, the focus will be on ensuring survival, but with Paunović's ability to build a hard-working and hard-to-beat team, Oviedo could be a tough nut to crack for many. As of August 2025, they appear as a newly promoted team with a clear identity, but any position above the relegation zone would still be a major achievement in this historic season.
20. Elche
Elche are back in La Liga after a solid promotion, and this time it is Eder Sarabia who is leading the team. The former Andorra coach has brought his detail-oriented approach and tactical flexibility to the Estadio Martínez Valero, which is already noticeable in the pre-season preparations. The club has strengthened the squad with experienced La Liga profiles to meet the pace and physicality of the top division, but at the same time has kept the lineage from the team that secured promotion in order to maintain continuity and team chemistry. Sarabia wants a team that is compact and disciplined defensively, but that can also vary between pressing high and lying low depending on the opponent. The home field will be a key arena for the points, and Sarabia knows that Elche must make the most of the support from Martínez Valero. The challenge will be to adapt to opponents of much higher quality and to find enough offensive solutions against better organized defenses. As of August 2025, Elche appears as a team with a clear identity, strong team morale and a coach who is good at structure and game plans, but the margins in the bottom battle will be small. Survival will require key players to stay injury-free and the team to avoid prolonged periods of decline in form.
1. Barcelona
2. Real Madrid
3. Atletico Madrid
4. Real Sociedad
5. Seville
6. Valencia
7. Real Betis
8. Villarreal
9. Athletic Club
10. Celta Vigo
11. Osasuna
12. Majorca
13. Rayo Vallecano
14. Girona
15. Levante
16. Getafe
17. Espanyol
18. Alavés (relegation)
19. Real Oviedo (relegated)
20. Elche (relegation)
Want to read more?
This text is part of our La Liga season start series.
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La Liga season start: Transfer market in the summer of 2025/26
La Liga season start: The biggest young talents 2025/26
La Liga season start: Surprise teams and potential disappointments 2025/26
