As the 2024/25 La Liga season kicks off, anticipation is high following an action-packed summer of transfers and the emergence of new stars. Real Madrid enters the season as the reigning champions, having cruised to the title last year with Jude Bellingham leading the charge. Now, with the addition of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick and the electrifying Kylian Mbappé, Madrid’s attack looks more formidable than ever, setting them up as the clear favorites to defend their crown.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is determined to reclaim the title and has bolstered their squad with the signing of Dani Olmo, the breakout star of Euro 2024. Olmo’s creativity and flair will be crucial as Barça looks to challenge their eternal rivals and bring the trophy back to Catalonia. With both giants strengthened and ready to compete, this season promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory, with the battle for the title set to captivate fans worldwide.
La Liga Preview
The Biggest Transfers in La Liga 2024/25 and How They Will Shape the Season
Kylian Mbappé and Endrick to Real Madrid
Real Madrid made waves in the transfer market with the acquisition of two of the world’s most exciting talents. Kylian Mbappé, who joined on a free transfer from PSG, brings his elite speed, finishing, and star power to the Bernabéu. His move signals Madrid’s intent to remain dominant in both La Liga and Europe. Alongside him, Endrick, the Brazilian sensation, has already started making headlines, having scored in his La Liga debut. At just 17 years old, Endrick is a massive talent, and his early impact suggests that he could be a pivotal figure for Madrid this season.
Dani Olmo to Barcelona
Dani Olmo, the standout performer at Euro 2024, returns to his roots after Barcelona signed him for €60 million. Once the captain of La Masia’s U16 team before moving to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Olmo’s return to Barcelona is seen as a homecoming. His creativity, vision, and ability to dictate play will be crucial for Barcelona as they aim to wrestle the title back from their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. Olmo’s presence in midfield adds a new dimension to Barça’s attack, and his familiarity with the club’s philosophy should help him integrate quickly.
Barcelona confirm Dani Olmo will wear #20 as he FINALLY makes the team squad to face Athletic Club but the Spaniard's involvement is still uncertain as Barca needs to offload Vitor Roque, Clement Lenglet AND Mikayil Faye before they can register their new midfielder ☹️ pic.twitter.com/yJaXFTEAir
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 24, 2024
Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid made a statement by splashing €95 million on Julián Álvarez, who arrives from Manchester City after scoring an impressive 36 goals, many of them as a substitute. Álvarez’s lethal finishing and versatility make him a massive signing for Atlético, who have long sought a consistent goal scorer to complement their gritty style of play. His ability to come off the bench and make an immediate impact could be a game-changer for Atlético, potentially elevating them into a serious title contender this season.
Top Rising Stars in La Liga 2024/25 You Should Be Watching
Future Stars in the Making
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona):
It’s difficult to say that Lamine Yamal will be a breakthrough star, as he’s already so incredibly talented. But he’s also 17. He can go so much further.
The young Spaniard was incredible in Euro 2024 and this season he’s going to take his form to new heights. With Dani Olmo in the middle, their combination will be electric. Could a Ballon D’Or run be starting for Lamine…?
WHAT A STAR ✨
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 24, 2024
Lamine Yamal opens up the score for Barcelona as they go 1-0 up in 24 minutes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/a7wTO5o4xy
Javi Guerra (Valencia): Javi Guerra is emerging as one of Spain’s most promising central midfielders. With his blend of vision, passing accuracy, and defensive tenacity, Guerra is a key figure in Valencia’s midfield. His ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a talent to watch as he continues to develop.
Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad): Takefusa Kubo is steadily becoming one of La Liga’s most exciting attacking midfielders. Each season, Kubo adds more to his game, combining silky dribbling, vision, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. At Real Sociedad, he’s increasingly central to their attacking play, and his upward trajectory suggests he could soon be one of the league’s top stars.
In less than an hour Real Madrid will face-off against Real Sociedad. Will Jude Bellignham continue his great form? Will Take Kubo shine against the ex? #RealMadrid #RealSociedad #Real #Madrid #Sociedad #RM #LosBlancos #TxuriUrdin #LaLiga #365Scores pic.twitter.com/LEc0OTCktH
— 365Scores (@365Scores) September 17, 2023
Tactical Trends in La Liga 2024/25
Barcelona, now managed by Hansi Flick, brings a different flavor with their disciplined, high-pressing game. Flick’s Barcelona emphasizes structure, intensity, and collective effort, aiming to suffocate opponents with relentless pressing while capitalizing on turnovers. This methodical approach contrasts sharply with Madrid’s free-flowing attack and could be crucial in tight matches where control is paramount.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, remains steadfast in their patient, defensive approach. Known for their rock-solid defense and tactical discipline, Atlético will look to grind out results with a focus on counter-attacks and set pieces. Their ability to frustrate more attack-minded teams makes them perennial contenders, especially in close, high-stakes encounters.
Yet, it’s not just the traditional powerhouses making waves. Girona, who impressed last season with their balanced and adaptable play, could be the dark horse. Their ability to mix pressing with quick transitions and solid defensive organization could see them challenge the established order, adding an unpredictable element to the tactical landscape of La Liga.
As these styles collide, the question of which philosophy will prevail remains open. Will it be Ancelotti’s attacking flair, Flick’s disciplined press, Simeone’s defensive resilience, or will a new contender like Girona break through? The 2024/25 season promises to be a tactical chess match, with the answer likely unfolding as the campaign progresses.
The Pichichi: Who’s Going to Be the New King?
The race for the Pichichi, awarded to La Liga’s top scorer, is set to be thrilling this season, with a wealth of attacking talent vying for the crown. Last year, Artem Dovbyk of Girona surprised many by clinching the title with 24 goals. This year, the competition is fiercer than ever. Kylian Mbappé joins the fray at Real Madrid, alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona and Julián Álvarez at Atlético Madrid also pose significant threats. With such star power, predicting this season’s top scorer is anyone’s guess.
An interesting conversation was caught by cameras between Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 19, 2024
🗣️ Bellingham: “You have to try and finish attacks, because coming back is f***ing difficult”
🗣Mbappé: “That’s what I’m saying! We need to finish plays.”
🗣Bellingham: “Yeah, create… pic.twitter.com/mp0k3ZeFDh
El Clásico: More Than a Match
Key Battles to Watch in 2024/25
| Date | Home Team | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 29th September | Atlético Madrid | Real Madrid |
| 27th October | Real Madrid | Barcelona |
| 22nd December | Barcelona | Atlético Madrid |
| 9th February | Real Madrid | Atlético Madrid |
| 16th March | Atlético Madrid | Barcelona |
| 11th May | Barcelona | Real Madrid |
La Liga’s Global Influence
How La Liga Shapes Global Football
La Liga’s influence on global football is profound, driven by its role as a breeding ground for elite talent, a hub of tactical innovation, and a cultural beacon through iconic rivalries like El Clásico. The league has consistently produced world-class players and coaches who shape the modern game, with Spanish tactical philosophies, such as tiki-taka, influencing football worldwide. Additionally, in an era of Financial Fair Play, La Liga clubs, aside from giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona, have exemplified financial prudence, showing that strategic signings and player development can rival sheer spending power, setting a global standard for sustainable football management.
Arda Güler is proving his worth and might snatch Bellingham's spot in Madrid's starting XI, Endrick scored on his debut for Real Madrid, and Lamine Yamal has become Barcelona's BIGGEST star 🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 26, 2024
Who do you think wins La Liga Young Player of the Season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/r03cUoWyB7
Financial Fair Play and Its Impact on La Liga
La Liga has long been a breeding ground for footballing talent and tactical innovation, but in recent years, the league’s influence on global football has also been shaped by the constraints and opportunities provided by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Unlike the Premier League, where clubs benefit from massive broadcast revenues and lucrative sponsorship deals, Spanish clubs—aside from giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona—operate with significantly smaller budgets. This financial disparity forces La Liga teams to be more strategic and resourceful in the transfer market.
For example, Atlético Madrid’s recent signing of Conor Gallagher from Chelsea was only made possible after they sold João Félix back to the Premier League club. The deal highlights the delicate financial balancing act that Spanish clubs must perform. Atlético needed to offload a high-earning player like Félix to free up the necessary funds and comply with FFP rules before they could bring in a player of Gallagher’s caliber. This contrasts with the financial muscle of Premier League clubs, which can often afford to spend without the immediate need to balance the books.
These constraints have fostered a culture of savvy recruitment and player development within La Liga. Spanish clubs are often forced to identify emerging talent before their value skyrockets or to develop homegrown players through their youth academies, a strategy that has seen clubs like Sevilla and Villarreal punch above their financial weight on the European stage.
Real Madrid kick off the La Liga season with a win at the Bernabéu! 🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 25, 2024
Vinicius Jr. debuts a new look ✂️💇 as the team celebrate their European Super Cup win 🏆
Hala Madrid! ⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Lsq1oy5RBH
The Relegation Battle
Teams Fighting for Survival
As the 2024/25 La Liga season unfolds, the fight for survival promises to be intense. Newly promoted sides Leganés, Valladolid, and Espanyol face difficult challenges as they adapt to the top flight. Meanwhile, Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano, and Mallorca, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, must improve to stay afloat. These teams will need to find consistency and resilience in a league where the margins between safety and relegation are often razor-thin.
FAQs
How many La Liga’s have Barcelona won?
As of the start of the 2024/25 season, FC Barcelona has won 27 La Liga titles.
Where to watch La Liga?
La Liga matches can be watched on various platforms depending on your location. In the United States, La Liga is available on ESPN+, while in Spain, it can be watched on Movistar+ and DAZN. In the UK, it’s available on Viaplay Sports and LaLigaTV. For other regions, local broadcasters or streaming services typically have rights.
When does La Liga start?
The 2024/25 La Liga season began on August 15th, 2024.
How many matches in the La Liga season?
Each La Liga season consists of 38 matches per team, with 20 teams playing a total of 380 matches across the season.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter
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