The excitement of winning the World Cup is still there, as Spain's top teams prepare for the new La Liga season. Barcelona are aiming to defend their title, while Real Madrid, hit by two trophyless seasons, have invested heavily and are aiming for success with Jose Mourinho on the bench.
Less than a month after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final, the club competition is once again coming to the fore.
At the center, of course, are the familiar contenders – defending champions Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have had a busy summer.
Re-elected Madrid president Florentino Perez has overseen one of the club's most aggressive transfer windows in recent years, bringing in Mourinho in a move that is seen as bold, nostalgic and fraught with risk.
Once known as "the special one," Mourinho returns to old territory with a lot to prove. He has gone 11 years without a league title and four without a trophy. He has "collected" more controversy than medals.
Real Madrid's success in 2024 seems far away, given the two trophyless seasons. Kylian Mbappe scored goals, but they did not bring the expected trophies. And Perez has responded with a summer of great risks. Real have transferred Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Carlos Espin. They have also extended the contract with Vinicius. But dilemmas remain in the midfield. The Madrid team is still not successfully replacing players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have opted for continuity. German coach Hansi Flick remains the key figure in their bid to defend the title. Barça is relying on the balance of the squad that helped them dominate La Liga and that provided most of the players for Spain at the World Cup.
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Mourinho is expected to be officially appointed as Real Madrid coach soon
Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi and Ferran Torres were important for Spain. While Torres is expected to leave, Barcelona have responded by signing Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. Rodri is also expected to end up at Barcelona.
The other Madrid club, Atletico, begins the season with the usual questions and new turbulence. Diego Simeone begins his 15th season as coach, but under pressure for a long lack of a title, despite major investments. The future of Julian Alvarez is the main topic at Atletico Madrid.
The first round matches in La Liga take place on Saturday.
