5 things to look forward to in the new La Liga season

After the short end-of-season break and the exertions of the World Cup, a new La Liga season is almost upon us.

While La Furia Roja may have floundered at Russia 2018, Spanish clubs are flourishing (in sporting terms).

The Madrid giants: Atletico and Real are the current holders of Europe’s top club trophies: The UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League. The El Derbi madrileño (Madrid Derby) will be played on the European stage for the umpteenth time in recent years when both teams clash in the UEFA Super Cup in August.

A lot has happened with respect to La Liga since the last ball in the 2017/2018 season was kicked. Cristiano Ronaldo has left the league for pastures anew in Italy. There are also heightened expectations for certain clubs and a lot to look forward to.

Here is a look at 5 things that fans can expect when the world’s best league kicks off on August 19th:

#5 It does not look good for the newly promoted teams

Rayo and the other new boys are expected to struggle

Last season, La Liga said goodbye to the horribly mismanaged Malaga side as well as Deportivo La Coruna and UD Las Palmas.

In their stead, Rayo Vallecano, Real Valladolid and SD Huesca (a team which will be making its La Liga debut) gained promotion from Liga 123.

The new boys have been strengthening as much as they can with Huesca bringing in as many as 10 players (all on loan or free).

Madrid-based Rayo will be returning to Spain’s premier division after 2 years out. Los Franjirrojos (The Red Sashes) won Liga 123 at a canter but will find it hard going in the top flight. A lot will depend on whether they can get another loan deal for Raul de Tomas from Real Madrid. The 23-year-old’s 24 goals were a big part of their promotion story last season.

Real Valladolid is yet to make a single signing loan or otherwise. A swift return is expected for Blanquivioletas/Albivioletas (White and Violets) who only managed to get to La Liga via the playoffs.

SD Huesca appointed former Argentine international Leo Franco as manager following the decision of former manager Rubi to move to Espanyol. With a non-existent budget and the smallest stadium in La Liga (the Estadio El Alcoraz sits just 7,500); it would take a miracle for the team to escape relegation.

#4 The battle for 4th place promises excitement

Los Che faces a huge battle to retain 4th place

Last season, Valencia got the coveted “best-of-the-rest” title as they finished in fourth place (with its Champions League riches).

Los Che has been on an upward swing since it came under new ownership in the form of Peter Lim. The team has strengthened considerably in the close season with star midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia’s full signing, the pick of the bunch.

Marcelino’s men will be looking to get better and compete favourably in La Liga and Europe but more will need to be done in the transfer market especially if the rumours about Rodrigo Moreno and Real Madrid are anything to go by.

Valencia will be pushed all the way by a couple of teams though. Real Betis have had perhaps the most eye-catching transfer window outside the top 4. The Andalucian outfit has lost promising youngsters to Italian clubs: Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), German Pezzella (Fiorentina) and Riza Durmisi (SS Lazio).

However, the proceeds from these transfers have been used to get in talent like Sergio Canales, Japanese baller Takeshi Inui and the eye-catching signing of Portuguese midfielder William Carvalho.

Keeping its mad hatter manager; Quique Setien has been the most important move. With the recalibrated side and Europa League football to look forward to, Los Verdiblancos (The Green-and-Whites) look well placed for a top 4 challenge.

Villarreal is another team that has the makings of a top 4 challenger. El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine) has been super active in the market bringing in £54.9m worth of talent so far. The return of former favourite Santi Carzola has been the most eye-catching and a lot is expected of the team’s new look attack.

#3 Atletico Madrid will be dangerous foes

Atletico will be scary foes in the new La Liga season

Whisper it very quietly and in the dark streets and alleys of Madrid: the new-look Los Rojiblancos look capable of breaking its Champions League hoodoo.

Following last season’s Europa League win and 2nd place in La Liga, it has been a summer of regeneration for Diego Simeone’s side.

Long-term captain Gabi and stalwarts like Fernando Torres have been moved on after years of meritorious service. In have come players like cantera product Rodri, wingers Thomas Lemar and Gelson Martins among others.

All of a sudden, the team looks younger, fitter, faster and capable of playing in different ways and styles. The commitment of important players to new, longer-term contracts (Antoine Griezmann, Jose Gimenez, and Lucas Hernandez) among others points to a huge belief in the team’s direction.

Rumoured moves for France’s World Cup winners; Benjamin Pavard and Olivier Giroud show the team’s seriousness. It is expected that Simeone will FINALLY allow his players to play in a more attacking style and really challenge for the big honours in Spain and abroad.

#2 The most exciting Barcelona side since the Guardiola era

The defending champions will be a different beast this season

Forget about what the whining Culés on Twitter are talking about. Forget about the perceived incompetence of the Josep Bartomeu-led board, this iteration of Barca promises lots of excitement.

After the surprisingly downplayed domestic double of last season, it was clear that Ernesto Valverde’s side was in need of certain changes. Andres Iniesta has left the club for one last hurrah in Japan while the expected clearout is coming slower than expected.

The team has been re-energized with the signings of some young, promising talent. Clement Lenglet had a brilliant run at Sevilla and will compete directly with fellow Frenchman Samuel Umtiti for the centre-back spot.

Brazilians Arthur Melo and Malcolm have been brought in to add a different dimension to the team’s attacking play. The presence of Malcolm and Ousmane Dembele down the flanks promises pace, directness and precision, options that were missing from the Blaugrana’s play last season especially in the big games.

Lionel Messi will continue to have a central role in the side and Philippe Coutinho is set to take on more responsibility now that Don Andres has departed.

For the first time since the glorious Pep Guardiola era, Barcelona genuinely looks like it is well-stocked to brush aside all opposition and win the big trophies in style once again.

#1 Lopetegui, no Ronaldo, and the new Real Madrid

The post-Ronaldo and Zidane era promises compelling viewing

It has been a curious post-season for the defending European champions. Zinedine Zidane’s exit caught a lot of people napping especially president Florentino Perez.

Then came the unwanted surprise; all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo moving on from the Santiago Bernabeu. Needless to say, it has been a summer of upheaval for Los Merengues.

Former Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has been installed as the new man in the dugout (his appointment also came with its own drama. The 51-year-old looks set to change the way the team plays, how it goes will provide compelling drama.

So far, the expected transfer splurge is yet to materialize as only Spanish international right-back Alvaro Odriozola and young Ukrainian goalie Andriy Lunin have been brought in (Vinicius Jnr. was signed last season).

How Lopetegui will manage the team remains to be seen and the next few weeks of pre-season football will give a clearer idea of the team’s direction.

Last season’s La Liga campaign was disgraceful. It is expected that winning the league will take precedence as the UCL hoodoo has been well and truly laid to rest.

It looks to be a season of recalibration at the Santiago Bernabeu. One thing is for certain though, it will not be boring.