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

#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.