LaLiga 2018/19: 5 bold predictions for this season

#2 Atletico will be the best Madrid team

Atletico Madrid will be a tough nut to crack this season

Spanish capital's top shouts Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid were in action earlier in the week for the UEFA Supercup where the former thumped its more glamorous neighbor in a 4-2 thriller. And in a retrospect, it is also an ominous sign of things to come in the league.

Los Rojiblancos have made hefty business in the transfer market this term, adding Thomas Lemar to strengthen the wings while Rodri is expected to fill the void left by the departing Gabi. January arrival Diego Costa looked sharp in the derby this week and can form a fearsome strike partnership with Griezmann upfront.

The midfield troika of Koke, Saul and Rodri ran the rings around Los Blancos as together, they bring solidity and form a creative force that the forward duos can gleefully thrive on.

On paper, this Atletico side looks stronger, mightier than ever. A great run in the league is on the cards and for the second year running, should finish above Real Madrid, who're staring at a season of transition following the departure of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

New manager Julen Lopetegui's first official game of the season wasn't exactly a memorable one, as the defense still appears wobbly while Bale and Benzema are long way from effectively cementing the gap left by the Portuguese ace. It might take time before things fall into place, but the questions remains - how long.

Nobody knows what to expect from this Real Madrid side, and the club's transfer business of just one major signing so far too, have given little reasons to be optimistic. Copa Del Rey looks to be the best and only hope of a silverware as of now, though things will be clearer by the Christmas break.