For all the changes that take place in Spanish football, the biggest question normally remains the same: will Real Madrid or Barcelona win La Liga?
Heading into the 2026/27 season, the discussions were similar with both teams strengthening their respective squads and bringing top class talents. Real Madrid went a step further by re-hiring Jose Mourinho who had helped break Barcelona’s dominance in the early 2010s.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid remain capable of disrupting the established order, but they begin the campaign with uncomfortable questions of their own.
How Big a Mistake Was Missing Out On Rodri For Real Madrid?
Real Madrid’s decision not to move earlier for Rodri could come back to haunt them this season. Los Blancos rarely lacks individual quality with their bigger challenge often being to find the right balance between their numerous attacking stars and the players responsible for controlling matches.
The attacking pedigree of superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior has never been in doubt, but the best teams have always struck a balance between defence, control and attack, a lesson memorably learned by Real Madrid when their famed Glacticos project fell apart in the mid-2000s.
Belatedly realizing the importance of a player like Rodri off the back of his player of the tournament World Cup campaign and still dragging their feet allowed Barcelona to steal in and turn the head of their prized target.
Will prioritizing the acquisition of Diomande over Rodri turn out to be a costly decision? Well, early signs suggest they might. A quick look at the La Liga standings will show Barcelona comfortably on top while Real Madrid are all the way back in 4th place, six points behind. The Catalans have won all seven league games thus far, while Real Madrid have dropped two. There’s still over seven months of football left to play, enough time to turn things around for Real Madrid, the margin for error is getting thinner by the week.
Barcelona’s New Attack
Barcelona also enter the season with questions about a transfer they did not complete.
Would Julian Alvarez have transformed their attack? Perhaps. Barcelona instead brought in Gabriel Jesus, whose movement, pressing and technical ability should suit their style. If the former Arsenal and Manchester City forward can stay fit.
So far, newly named captain Raphinha has taken up that responsibility by remaining perhaps Barcelona’s most important forward. His directness and productivity give the team something different, particularly when opponents deny them space through the middle. He’s started the season in dazzling form, scoring 12 times in just eight games across all competitions.
Atletico Madrid’s Uncomfortable Situation
Atletico’s challenge is more complicated. Their marquee signing wanted a move to Barcelona to the extent that he turned down a move to Premier League champions, Arsenal, but the transfer did not happen. Diego Simeone must now reintegrate a player whose future appeared to lie elsewhere.
A committed and productive forward could help Atletico challenge Madrid and Barcelona. A distracted one could destabilize their season before it properly begins.
Alex Baena may become increasingly important. After his World Cup performances, he has both the confidence and quality needed to take on a more influential role.
Will that be enough for the Rojiblancos?
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Does Jose Mourinho Still Have “It”?
Jose Mourinho’s second arrival adds another storyline in a season packed with narratives.
He understands the pressure surrounding Real Madrid, knows how to build title-winning teams and has never been afraid to make difficult decisions involving major players. However, the question is whether he can impose enough tactical discipline without restricting the attacking talent available to him.
Can he change the recent narrative around himself and reclaim the “special one” nickname he earned when he announced himself to the world?
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