Title Contenders
Barcelona
Not Forgetting that “the next Messi” boarded a flight to the UK, landing on the south coast of Brighton, Barcelona have experienced an impressive transfer window. The Catalan giants add the likes of Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix and Ilkay Gundogan to their ranks – pointing to a strong title defence. Xavi’s men have started the season in fine form. Their goalless draw on opening day proved to be nothing more than a hiccup as they replied with three consecutive league victories. Currently, the Blaugrana (8) have only been outscored by Atletico Madrid (10).
Real Madrid
The Madridstas have won their opening four league fixtures for consecutive seasons – showing no signs of slowing down. Their latest Galactico, Jude Bellingham, was awarded the La Liga EA Sports Best Player of August and for good reason. The Engishman has been directly involved in six goals in the Spanish topflight, scoring five and assisting a further one.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have thrown down the gauntlet at this early stage. Diego Simeone’s chargers are firing on all cylinders, having inflicted a 7-nil hammering of Rayo Vallecano – the largest margin of victory in the league thus far. No less than six players have opened their accounts in the Spanish topflight, an indicator of their multiple routes to attack
Dark Horses
Real Betis
Manuel Pellegrini’s men currently sit outside the top 4 on goal difference. The master tactician has been active in the market, with summer signing Isco Alarcon, being the pick of the lot! The ex-Madrid man, Isco, has won the man of the match award in each of his 4 La Liga appearances. Regardless of whoever they play this season, he will definitely be a potent force in attack which could see them book a European spot. Lead by in form striker, Willian Jose, who has returned three goals from just 4 shots on target, Los Verdiblancos could prove a study test this season.
Real Sociedad
The Basque Countryside experienced a slow start to the season, but a thumping of Grada on home soil saw four different scorers find the back of the net. La Real finished in the Champions League spots last season, with on loan forward Alexander Sorloth netting 12 goals across his 34 league appearances. Sorloth has since returned to his former club, with Alexander Silva going the other way. If the squad can replace Sorloth’s contributions infront of goal, a top four finish may very well be on the cards.
Valencia
Valencia has a point to prove this season. The club started the season with consecutive victories, but back-to-back losses have seen them plummet to the bottom half of the log. The club have failed to sign a striker and it is starting to show. Across their opening four league fixtures, Los Ches, have netted four goals, from 35+ chances created among them.
At the tail end
Granada
Granada have not enjoyed their time back in the topflight. The Andalusian side have conceded 12 goals across their opening 4 league fixtures, conceding 2+ goals on each occasion.
Alavez
Newly promoted Alavez have netted all five of their league goals on home turf. Veteran forward Kike Garcia has opened his account for the season as he looks to fire his team to safety. If their opening form is anything to go by, we can expect a stop-start game with plenty of aggression and stoppage time. They will certainly be looking to do the same in their following league appointments as they bid to avoid the drop.
Sevilla
Sevilla currently finds themselves rooted to the foot of the table. The Andalusian side have lost all three of their opening fixtures – despite scoring an impressive five goals. With the transfer window in Saudi Arabia still open, players could still be heading for the door which will compile matters for under pressure boss Jose Mendilibar.
Written by Deshaj Parthab