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One of the most exciting leagues in the world, the La Liga is about to begin in August.
Some of the best players in the world feature in the league. Atletico Madrid are the defending champions, having beaten the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid to clinch the league title last season.
Lionel Messi remains the main source of attraction, although he is yet to agree a contract extension with Barcelona, which he is expected to in the next few days. Meanwhile, the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been active in the transfer market as well as they prepare for the 2021-22 La Liga campaign.
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On that note, here's a look at the top five favourites to win the La Liga title in 2021-22.
#5 Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad enjoyed an impressive season last time around, finishing fifth in the league and winning the 2020 Copa del Rey title.
Sociedad relied on the talent of young striker Alexander Isak, with the Sweden international in excellent form last season. The highly-rated Isak was linked with a big-money move away from Sociedad this summer, but has signed a contract extension with the club.
Apart from Isak, manager Imanol Alguacil could rely on the experience and quality of former Spain internationals David Silva and Nacho Monreal. Midfielder Mikel Merino has been key, while Sociedad have added Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and Spanish left-back Diego Rico to their ranks this summer.
#4 Sevilla
Sevilla finished fourth in the La Liga last season, with manager Julen Lopetegui continuing to do a good job at their helm.
They have been heavily involved in the summer transfer window. Having sold talented forward Bryan Gil to Tottenham Hotspur, Sevilla have added Argentine winger Erik Lamela to their team. The 29-year old was part of the deal that took Gil to Spurs.
They could lose star centre-back Jules Kounde soon, with Chelsea expected to snap up the youngster.
Reports suggest that French centre-back Kurt Zouma could join Sevilla as part of the Kounde deal. Director of football, Monchi, is a seasoned campaigner who is regarded as one of the best in the world, so Sevilla can be expected to be in and around the top four if not win the La Liga title.
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#3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid finished second in the La Liga last season. But they let go of manager Zinedine Zidane and long-serving centre-backs, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane this summer.
They poached Carlo Ancelotti from Everton to take charge of the team, but the Italian has a tough job in his hands. Ramos and Varane played key roles in Los Blancos' incredible success under Zidane, so replacing them will not be an easy job by any means.
So far, Real Madrid seem content with the squad they have. The Merengues have signed David Alaba on a free transfer, and he is likely to be their replacement for Ramos.
Meanwhile, Nacho and Eder Militao are their other centre-back options. They have a good goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois, but their ageing midfield of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos is a concern, while their attack is spearheaded by the 34-year-old Karim Benzema.
It is evident Real Madrid are collecting funds to land Kylian Mbappe next summer. Considering the same, the record champions are not the overwhelming favourites to land the 2021-22 La Liga title.
#2 Barcelona
In La Liga, it can be argued that Barcelona have enjoyed the best transfer window of all the clubs so far.
Having finished a disappointing third last season, Barcelona have snapped up Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia, all on free transfers. Brazilian full-back Emerson Royal returns to the club after a successful loan stint with Real Betis.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of young Austrian attacker Yusuf Demir could prove to be a masterstroke.
Defence, however, remains a problem for the La Liga giants. Gerard Pique is not the player he once was during his prime, while Clement Lenglet struggled immensely last season. Samuel Umtiti is reportedly free to leave, and there could be intense pressure on young stars - Garcia, Emerson and Sergino Dest - to perform in the 2021-22 La Liga.
#1 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid won the La Liga title last season, and it seems likely they will successfully defend the same in 2021-22.
Led by the experienced Luis Suarez, Atletico Madrid deserved to win the La Liga title last season. The squad has transitioned from the experience of Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis to the likes of Jose Gimenez, Kieran Trippier and Stefan Savic extremely well.
Atletico Madrid have signed Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese this summer.
The 27-year-old was one of Argentina's best players during their triumphant Copa America 2021 campaign, and will inject immediate quality to their midfield. His arrival could herald the departure of Saul, with the Spaniard linked with Barcelona. who could exchange Antoine Griezmann for him.
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