LaLiga 2025-26: Barça vs Madrid, Mbappé vs Yamal ¡The League kicks off!

LaLiga 2025-26: Season Preview with Alofoke Deportes

A month after Real Madrid’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup ends, the 2025-26 LaLiga season is already just around the corner. Fans will be able to enjoy every match LIVE through ESPN+. The championship will kick off with two matches on Friday, and the current champion, Barcelona, will begin the defense of their title the next day against Mallorca. Real Madrid, after their outstanding performance in the Club World Cup, will have three additional days of rest before facing Osasuna on Tuesday. The request to postpone the match by the merengue club was rejected by the Spanish football federation. The summer has been eventful in terms of signings and departures for the three major Spanish clubs. In addition, Real Madrid changed coaches, replacing Carlo Ancelotti with former Bernabéu midfielder Xabi Alonso. For its part, Atlético de Madrid surpassed its rivals with the incorporation of seven new players in this transfer market.

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But LaLiga is much more than just three clubs. There are many fascinating stories to follow, from fallen giants to rising teams and legends seeking to bring their clubs back to the top. Alofoke Deportes analysts answer the key questions before the start of the new season.

The new LaLiga season is here. Will Barcelona and Real Madrid dominate? Will Atletico Madrid spoil the party? Will Kylian Mbappé or Lamine Yamal shine?

What has Barcelona done in the transfer market?

The star signing for Barcelona this summer was the long-term renewal of Lamine Yamal. The forward, who turned 18 in July, is already the main figure in Hansi Flick’s team and, after scoring four goals in the preseason, seems ready to take his game to the next level in the next 10 months. In goal, Joan García arrives from Espanyol for 25 million euros. García will be the starting goalkeeper, with Wojciech Szczesny as a substitute. Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to leave after recovering from a back injury. After failing to sign Nico Williams, Marcus Rashford arrives on loan from Manchester United to reinforce the attack. It could be a great addition if he regains the level he showed at the beginning of his career. Furthermore, Barça relies on the core of the team that exceeded expectations last season, although they have suffered the loss of defender Iñigo Martínez, who left for Saudi Arabia to help alleviate the club’s financial problems. Ronald Araújo will take his place alongside Pau Cubarsí.

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How can Hansi Flick improve Barça after the domestic treble?

In the last 35 years of LaLiga, only Barcelona has retained the title more than once. This demonstrates how difficult it is to repeat as champion in Spain. If Flick can win again, while integrating the new signings, promoting more youth players and dealing with the constant chaos surrounding the club, then, by definition, it will be a “better” performance. To achieve this, they need to improve their defensive mindset across the entire field. Part of the appeal of Barça for neutrals last season was their never-say-die attitude. But, they often seemed naive and too risky in their decision-making, with the mindset of “we will score more than you” prevailing over “we will prevent you from scoring”.

What has Real Madrid done in the transfer market?

Real Madrid has made several signings this summer. To improve the defense, they have incorporated Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras, representing three-quarters of a new defense. Huijsen, 20 years old, already seems to justify the 50 million pounds that Madrid paid to sign him from Bournemouth. Alexander-Arnold was a long-term target, and it will be interesting to see what role he plays, given the return of Dani Carvajal.

Franco Mastantuono also arrives from River Plate when he turns 18. Gonzalo García, with four goals and an assist in the Club World Cup, alleviated the need to sign a substitute center forward. This could be even more relevant if the uncertainty about Rodrygo’s future leads to his departure at the end of the market. The most important signing is coach Xabi Alonso.

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What should Madrid do to not live in Barça’s shadow?

The arrival of Xabi Alonso, in theory, brings a change of structure and ideas. Failure can help, as it sharpens minds and increases concentration. The club must solve the problem of having Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on the same team, finding a way for both to press and better occupy spaces. The big lack is the lack of a defensive midfielder, a “number 5”. The importance of Huijsen bringing the ball out and Arda Güler adapting to a different role could be key. A new formation, in which Alexander-Arnold plays more centrally, could help balance the team. In addition, Aurélien Tchouaméni could perform better in this structure. Keeping the players in shape will also be crucial. Jude Bellingham is out until October after a minor surgery, and Eduardo Camavinga will miss the start of the season due to a sprained ankle.

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Is this the beginning of a rivalry on the level of Messi vs. Ronaldo?

Comparing Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo must be done with caution, due to the longevity of both. However, in terms of being the two best players in the world at the moment, it can be argued that they are. The fact that both have inherited the number 10 jersey at their clubs this summer highlights, if there was any doubt, that they are the stars. Right now, no one commands more attention on a football field than Yamal. Mbappé had an underestimated debut season in Spain, scoring 44 goals. The Clásicos will be key to seeing who stands out. Time will tell if their rivalry can reach the level of Messi vs. Ronaldo, but everything is in place for it to be a clash that defines a generation.

LaLiga Top Scorers (via ESPN BET)

• Kylian Mbappé: -135
• Robert Lewandowski: +150
• Alexander Sørloth: +1000
• Raphinha: +1000
• Ante Budimir: +1500
• Julián Álvarez: +1500
• Gonzalo García: +2000
• Lamine Yamal: +2800
• Ferran Torres: +3300
• Marcus Rashford: +3300

What has Atlético de Madrid done?

Atlético de Madrid has been very active in the transfer market, spending around 175 million euros on Giacomo Raspadori, Álex Baena, Dávid Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, Matteo Ruggeri, and Marc Pubill. With nine departures, the team has undergone a significant renovation. Last season ended in disappointment, falling out of the title race too early, and dropping out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey. To succeed in 2025-26, Atletico needs to improve, be in the title race and, ideally, win a trophy.

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Who will win the title?

Alofoke Deportes analysts predict a close championship, but with Barcelona as the favorite, closely followed by Real Madrid.

• Real Madrid: -120
• Barcelona: +110
• Atlético de Madrid: +800

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What else should we expect?

Real Oviedo, after 24 years outside the top category, is one of the most exciting stories, with Santi Cazorla as the protagonist. Other aspects to follow include Elche with Eder Sarabia, Sevilla seeking to reverse its decline, and Marcus Rashford in Barcelona. In addition, Rayo Vallecano could be the third Madrid team to compete in Europe. Lamine Yamal is a must-watch player, with incredible potential. We’ll also have to keep an eye on Xabi Alonso, who will have to find a way for Mbappé to adapt to the team. Valencia could struggle to avoid relegation, while Celta Vigo and Girona promise to be attractive teams.