Real Madrid was a top team in Europe last season, easily winning the Spanish league and adding another Champions League trophy to their collection.
Things have only improved for the 2024-25 season, as French star Kylian Mbappé has finally joined Real Madrid after years of speculation.
With Mbappé now on the team, Madrid is a strong favorite to win back-to-back league titles for the first time since 2007-08.
Barcelona, still facing financial issues, will start the season with new coach Hansi Flick, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has strengthened their squad by signing Argentina forward Julián Álvarez and Spain defender Robin Le Normand.
The league starts Thursday with Copa del Rey champion Athletic Bilbao hosting Getafe, and Girona, last season’s surprise team with a third-place finish, visiting Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis.