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Football Today

9 August 2026

Football Today

9 August 2026

All 20 La Liga clubs will go into the 2026/27 season aiming to put together a successful campaign.

That said, for most teams in Spain’s top division, ‘success’ does not usually mean lifting the league title.

Across the previous 95 La Liga seasons, Real Madrid (36), Barcelona (29) and Atletico Madrid (11) have won the vast majority of championships.

That lack of balance has been even more evident in the 21st century, with Valencia (2001/02 and 2003/04) the only side to interrupt their dominance.

Here is our preview of the 2026/27 La Liga season as we examine which of the traditional big three is most likely to finish top this term.

The summer transfer window is due to stay open until September 1. These are the leading La Liga transfers completed so far as of Sunday, August 9.

After ending up behind Barcelona in each of the past two seasons, Madrid have looked to the past in their latest bid to return to the top.

Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge is certain to attract huge attention, but it could also prove to be a masterstroke by the club.

Mourinho is back in La Liga with something to prove. Plenty of observers feel he belongs to a previous era and that his tactical approach is outdated.

Even so, while the 63-year-old is clearly a pragmatic coach, he also knows how to construct teams packed with star quality.

Mourinho posted the best win percentage of his managerial career during his first stint at Madrid (76.3 percent). His side also set the record for the most points in a single La Liga season (100) in 2011/12.

The game has evolved since then, but Mourinho’s methods could have a major impact on a squad that has failed to meet expectations over the last two seasons.

Madrid’s front four of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande and Kylian Mbappe is a terrifying prospect for the rest of La Liga.

Once Mourinho’s habit of building defensive solidity is added to the equation, Los Blancos could overpower everyone this season.

The signing of Marc Cucurella gives them added tactical versatility on the left, while Denzel Dumfries provides competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the other side.

Former Manchester City player Bernardo Silva is another fascinating addition to the group. He is essentially Luka Modric with a little more bite.

Silva’s quality in keeping the ball should help bring the best out of those around him, while his feisty edge seems tailor-made for a Mourinho side.

If Madrid’s squad full of big personalities fully embraces Mourinho’s methods, they may be on the verge of another hugely successful period.

Barcelona will be desperate to hold off Madrid’s challenge. However, the departure of star striker Robert Lewandowski damages their prospects.

The reigning champions have still strengthened this summer, bringing in forwards Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres provide even more depth in attack. Even so, they do not appear to have a forward capable of matching Mbappe’s numbers.

Manager Hansi Flick will be hoping his high-pressing approach and sharp passing in and around the box produce the right outcomes.

Barcelona possess plenty of pace in behind, creativity right across the frontline and players who can alter a match in an instant.

If they had a clinical striker, they would look a very strong bet to secure the title for a third straight season. Without one, they may be exposed.

They saw Atletico striker Julian Alvarez as the ideal successor to Lewandowski, but their attempts to explore his availability were swiftly rejected.

With Alvarez in their ranks, Atletico have a far better opportunity to push themselves into the title fight. Helping a direct rival would have made no sense.

Atletico have also been busy in the summer market, adding Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in and Alejandro Grimaldo to the squad.

They are also close to completing a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, who would be an ideal fit for manager Diego Simeone.

If Atletico can retain Alvarez and continue to improve the squad, they should be the nearest challengers to the top two this season.

Madrid and Barcelona are widely expected to occupy the first two places, and Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu Stadium may ultimately be the decisive factor in the title race.