Opening La Liga fixture: Alavés vs Getafe, Saturday 15 August, 18:30 BST.
Few anticipated José Mourinho returning to Real Madrid 13 years after his first stint ended.
After Kylian Mbappé’s 2024 arrival, many tipped Real to dominate domestically and in Europe. Mbappé has impressed, but the team’s cohesion has lagged.
At times last season, Madrid looked split: four star forwards up front and a brittle back line exposed on the break.
New arrivals Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva should strengthen the spine, while Yan Diomandé could add extra flair in attack.
Vinícius Júnior has also committed to a new contract after links with Arsenal.
Skeptics wonder whether the veteran Mourinho can manage the egos of Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius—especially after his earlier spell ended amid dressing-room unrest—and whether he still has the tactical edge to truly push Barcelona.
Hansi Flick’s side weren’t as dominant last season as in 2024-25, yet with a squad packed with Spanish World Cup winners they remain favourites for a third straight title.
Replacing Robert Lewandowski’s goals will be tough, but Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have arrived to help fill the gap.
As usual, Atlético Madrid will aim to crash the top two, with Villarreal and Real Betis leading the chasing pack.
Fresh from climbing back from the third tier, Málaga will fight to stay up with a low-budget but close-knit squad; the club has been under judicial administration since 2020.
Valencia face an emotional farewell season at the iconic Mestalla, while it’s unclear whether Europa Conference League runners-up Rayo Vallecano can host any home fixtures.
Madrid’s regional government has withdrawn Rayo’s license to stage matches at the rented Vallecas ground due to its deteriorated facilities.