Barcelona vs Real Madrid: The La Liga title race has opened up this season

#2 Real Madrid in Lopetegui's first year can succumb to huge expectations from recent seasons:

This summer was historic for Real Madrid with the club winning the Champions League for the third consecutive time. Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid's record goalscorer departed this season for Juventus while star coach Zinedine Zidane also left after the Champions League victory.

Last season was far from ideal for Real Madrid in La Liga. The strongest playing XI was still the same from earlier season's but Madrid had a poor start to the season and was inconsistent throughout finishing in third place even behind Atletico.

Although Zidane did mention in interviews that he preferred winning the La Liga as compared to the Champions League, Zidane cleverly rotated his players, with Ronaldo being preferred for Champions League and select La Liga matches. While this sort of system was best for the Champions League with respect to the players being kept fresh for difficult encounters, such tactics do not guarantee consistency.

Real Madrid v AS Roma - UEFA Champions League Group G

New coach, Lopetegui who was sacked as Spain coach on the eve of the World Cup this season has already shown that he insists on giving the youngsters and Castilla players more playing time. While the core of the squad is still the same, repeating the heroics of last season where they defeated PSG, Juve, and Bayern on the way would be a tough task.

Ronaldo has left and there will be a constant pressure on the likes of Benzema and Bale to deliver the goals this season. As we have seen Real Madrid already this season, they lost to Atletico in the UEFA Super Cup and when facing tough competitors, have dropped points against Athletic Club and lost to Sevilla 3-0.

Lopetegui's aim this season would be getting his side to be more consistent and provide a challenge for the La Liga this season and go as deep as they can in a tough Champions League campaign this season.