LaLiga 2018/19: 5 bold predictions for this season

#3 A closely contested battle for the 'best of the rest'

Race for Europe is going to be gruesome

Whilst no one outside the 'big three' realistically has a shot at the La Liga trophy, the likes of Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal and Real Betis have proved to be regular the speed-bumps on their way, and with another prolific summer of good deals, look to contest fiercely for the fourth Champions League place.

Los Che won that title last season after finishing fourth in the final standings after a season of revelation under then new manager Peter Lim. However, it would take greater efforts to replicate the feat considering the added Champions League demands this season.

The Sevillastas are currently on a roll in Europe, swatting teams aside in the Europa League qualifying by plundering in a litany of goals. Whilst its too early to conclude anything, it's a reflection of a reinvigorated attack and after a season of struggles, are oozing with confidence.

To judge on the basis of transfer deals, Real Betis look to be more prepared than anyone, for they've been really active and added 6 new players to the roster, most noteably Napoli's Fabian Ruiz, Portuguese midfielder William Carvalho and Japan's hero at the 2018 World Cup, Takashi Inui.

Another strong contender for European football, Villarreal have been busy in the market too, bringing in almost £55 million worth of talent, headlined by former Arsenal man Santi Cazorla.

Even though La Liga has been often criticized for being a Real Madrid-Barcelona oligopoly since the turn of the millennium, it has always witnessed a nail-biting contest amongst the teams right below them. And this time, it's going to be closer than ever.