Spanish giants are set to collide in what promises to be a thrilling 2025–26 La Liga season, headlined by some of the biggest superstars and clubs in all of football.
Last season delivered the closest La Liga title race in years between Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The Catalans came out on top in the end, lifting their 28th Spanish title while their two biggest opponents failed to win a major trophy.
The slate is clean this August, though, when the battle for the 2025–26 Spanish crown begins. The only place to see the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior week in and week out is La Liga.
Beyond the faces of the league, there are countless storylines across the Spanish top-flight to grip viewers right from the start of season.
Barcelona Begin Title Defense Amid Registration Saga
The talk surrounding Barcelona should be focused on the Catalans’ Spanish title defense and their star-studded squad that now features one of Spain’s best goalkeepers and new attacking reinforcement Marcus Rashford.
Except once again, the club’s financial woes and registration struggles have stolen the spotlight. Although the path is now clear for Barcelona to register Joan García following Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term injury, there is still no progress in officially getting Rashford added to the squad, along with Roony Bardghji, Wojciech Szczęsny and Gerard Martín.
The situation is a near-replica of last season’s delay in registering Dani Olmo, who was forced to sit out until the club could get back to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule.
Even without the four players registered, though, Barcelona should have no trouble getting past Mallorca in their season opener. With Yamal and Raphinha leading the way, Hansi Flick’s men have their sights set on securing back-to-back La Liga titles.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Makes La Liga Debut
Trent Alexander-Arnold already made his Real Madrid debut at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, but he is set to play his first-ever La Liga match on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The fullback kickstarts a new chapter of his career after representing Liverpool for the last 20 years.
The 26-year-old will be the key to Los Blancos’ fight for the Spanish crown in 2025–26, especially if Xabi Alonso opts to deploy a back three. Alexander-Arnold will have the space and freedom to create on the right flank, elevating the team’s already explosive attack.
The pressure will be on the England international to deliver inside his own half, though. Alexander-Arnold has been criticized for his defensive shortcomings in the past and he did not quell many worries with his inconsistent performances at the Club World Cup.
Still, if Alexander-Arnold can thrive defensively in La Liga, Real Madrid will like their odds against just about any opponent.
A New-Look Atlético Madrid Takes Center Stage
After another third-place finish in La Liga, Atlético Madrid made a splash in the transfer market this summer. Los Colchoneros welcomed 10 new players to the Spanish capital, including Álex Baena, Dávid Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada.
With reinforcements at practically every position now under contract, Diego Simeone’s side is eyeing a renewed push for the La Liga title. The club might not have the flashy superstars of Barcelona or Real Madrid, but it now has a much more balanced, well-rounded squad capable of impressing both in Spain and Europe.
Atlético Madrid suffered a huge blow to their midfield, though, when they lost Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine joined Lionel Messi at Inter Miami on loan, leaving Simeone without one of his most important players. It will be up to Cardoso to take De Paul’s place in Los Colchoneros’ midfield.
Still, Atlético Madrid will hope spending €175 million ($203.7 million) this summer will be enough to secure at least one trophy, even without De Paul.
All Eyes Are on Nico Williams
Nico Williams seemed poised to finally make his widely speculated move to Barcelona this summer. The club reportedly even agreed to personal terms with the Spain international before he changed his mind and inked a new deal with Athletic Bilbao through 2035.
Choosing to stay at San Mamés instead of joining the reigning Spanish champions is a bold statement to make, one that will amplify the attention on Williams this season. Should May come and Barcelona are on the cusp of winning more silverware while Athletic Bilbao wind up empty handed, Williams will be left thinking, “What if?”
It will be even worse for the winger if he personally underperforms. If he had made the move to Catalonia and struggled, the likes of Raphinha and Yamal would have picked up his slack. At Athletic Bilbao, though, all eyes are on Williams. The 23-year-old is the one with the keys to the attack, and if he fails, the team likely fails as well.
With a new €100 million ($116.3 million) release clause on his head, Williams will kick off the 2025–26 season under a new kind of pressure.
Real Betis Return Without Antony
Antony was a breakout star in La Liga last season. The Brazilian joined Real Betis on loan during the winter transfer window from Manchester United and turned heads immediately.
The winger recorded 14 goal contributions in 26 appearances, leading Real Betis to the Conference League final and their sixth-place league finish. With Antony in green and white, Manuel Pellegrini’s side only suffered three defeats in their last 17 La Liga matches of the 2024–25 season.
Despite Antony’s desire to stay with the club, he was forced to return to Manchester this summer. The Red Devils are still looking to sell the forward as opposed to letting him return to Seville on another loan deal.
While Real Betis wait for a final verdict from the English outfit, they must focus on getting their La Liga season off to a strong start with a victory against Elche on Monday, Aug. 18.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Must-See Storylines to Follow on La Liga’s Opening Weekend.
