(Football news) The La liga season began with Valencia getting a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe but the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are still yet to play. Last year, it looked like Atletico Madrid would runaway with the league title at the midpoint of the season, but a sudden dip in form brought back both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the title race. Eventually Atletico won the La Liga title on the last day in dramatic fashion and if last season was nail biting and full of drama, then this season we can expect the same from the top teams in Spain
FC Barcelona kick off their campaign in a tricky match against Real Sociedad at Nou Camp. It's going to be an interesting match up as Barcelona are going to be without their talisman Lionel Messi. It's certainly going to be an intriguing sight to see how Ronald Koeman’s side performs without Messi. There would be added pressure on Depay and Griezmann to fill the huge void left behind by him.
Real Madrid start off their season at Alaves with the Los Blancos hoping for a different outcome this season as last season they only missed out on the championship by 2 points. This year, Real Madrid are in a full rebuild mode as both of their mainstay in defence Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane left the club to try out different ventures. With a new manager at the helm in Carlo Ancelloti, it's going to be an interesting watch on how he handles such a young and inexperienced side.
Also read: Fixtures to look forward to from Matchday 1 of the Premier league 2021-22
The Champions Atletico Madrid take on Celta Vigo in their first match of the season. Los Rojiblancos are heading into the season as favourites for the title, most of their league winning squad is still intact and also the added addition of Rodrigo De Paul will make them stronger. Diego Simeone has been given a three contract by the board to become the first manager after 1951 to retain the league title. Luis Suarez and Joao Felix will be the key players to watch out for as they try to retain their la liga crown.
Sevilla begin their campaign against Rayo Vallecano at home, Julien Lopetegui’s side can mount an unprecedented title challenge as Sevilla have made significant signings to bolster their side. Along with new signings, the core of the team remains the same for the 6 time Europa League champions. Players like Lamela and Diego Carlos will be key if they are to mount an unlikely title challenge.
Europa League winners Villarreal take on Granada to start their season, the Yellow Submarine would be hoping to make the Champions League positions as they’ll be high on confidence after beating Manchester United in a dramatic Europa League final. Last season, Villarreal didn't perform well in the league but Unai Emery would be hoping to replicate his continental competition form in the domestic league. Gerard Monero and Pau Torres will be the players to watch out for.
The places for the European competition might heat up as Athletic Club and Real Betis face newly promoted side Elche and Mallorca respectively in the fight for the Europa League position. Match of the week is going to be Barcelona vs Real Sociedad as both teams are quite equally matched and more importantly how they play without their club legend Lionel Messi is a sight not to miss out on.
