Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid begin their La Liga title defence on 18th August with a trip to Real Mallorca and, when they take a look at their early fixtures Los Blancos will be eyeing a fast start.
They won their 36th Primera title in some style and the early La Liga 2024 betting odds back Real Madrid to win a 37th within a year, at an odds on price, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad in pursuit. Ancelotti’s team have some tasty fixtures in the not too distant future but over the first three weeks Los Blancos have a chance to pick up a maximum return; and if they do that will put pressure on their rivals.
The opening fixture in the top leagues can sometimes throw up a weird result and, with the Euros still to be completed, not may clubs have their main stars available yet. But a trip away to Real Mallorca as an opening tie is a good start; Mallorca finished 15th last season and face another difficult campaign.
Then Los Blancos host newcomers Real Valladolid before visiting Las Palmas, last seasons 16th placed club.
After the opening three games the action hots up. With Real Betis at home followed by Real Sociedad away Ancelotti’s team will need to be at full tilt by September and a new face will hope to make an immediate impact. The arrival in Madrid of Kylian Mbappe will dominate the La Liga 2024 news in the coming weeks and Los Blancos fans will be dreaming of the France captain linking up with the likes of Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham… and that is a mouth-watering prospect.
Well in Madrid anyway!
Over in Catalonia Los Blancos’ El Clasico rivals have had a change in management and Barcelona fans will hope Hansi Flick can make a strong start as their head coach. The ex Germany and Bayern Munich boss has signed a two year contract following the departure of Barca legend Xavi, who was sacked just a month after he had been persuaded by club bosses to stay. The 44 year old led the Blaugrana to a Champions League Quarter Final but second place was a disappointment for Xavi and the club after he led them to a La Liga title in 2023.
Flick won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with FC Bayern and the 2020 Champions League; but he has his work cut out to knock Los Blancos off their perch.
The Catalans arguably have a tougher start than the champions, opening with a clash away to Valencia at the hostile Mestalla Stadium. Then they are at home to Athletic Bilbao who will hope to have Spain Euro star Nico Williams in their ranks. Barca are then away to Rayo Vallecano, who finished 17th last term, avoiding relegation by five points, before they host Real Valladolid and then travel away to last season’s surprise package Girona.
While Los Blancos welcome Mbappe, Barcelona fans will be most excited to see the return of their 16 year old starlet, Lamine Yamal who has been one of the standout players at the Euros.
Of course, two of the biggest dates in the SBOTOP calendar are the El Clasicos and we don’t have to wait long for the first; Real Madrid vs Barcelona is on 27th October and then the two La Liga juggernauts will meet again at the Camp Nou, near the end of the campaign on 11th May 2025.
Big games for Atletico and Sociedad
While Los Blancos and Barca are the headline act, fans on the red side of Madrid and up in the Basque region will be hoping they can wreck the El Clasico party. Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos begin their title assault with a difficult opener away to Villarreal, before welcoming Girona, who finished third last season. A home match to newly promoted Espanyol is followed by a visit to Athletic Bilbao and then a home match against Valencia. It’s a testing run and if Los Rojiblancos can keep up with the leaders they will go into September with confidence.
Real Sociedad finished sixth last season but that was a disappointing outcome for Imanol Alguacil’s side and they will have their sights set on a top four finish this time around. La Real’s team is packed with Basque and Spanish talent, with five players in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. Mikel Moreno scored the spectacular winner as La Roja saw off the hosts Germany in the quarter final and, with Mikel Oyarzabal, Robin Le Normand, Martin Zubimendi and Alex Remiro in the fold, the finalists have a strong Sociedad contingent.
La Real have a good chance to pick up early points with a home match against Rayo Vallecano to kick off before they visit Espanyol. Then it’s Alaves at home and Getafe away before the big one…Real Madrid at home in San Sebastian.
Welcome back to three old Amigos
The three newcomers have not long been away from the Primera Division and two of them have made an immediate return. Real Valladolid were the first to be promoted after a one season absence and they start their campaign at home to Espanyol who are back after one season too after winning the play-offs.
Then the minnows of Leganes, back after four seasons and promoted to the Primera Division for the second time, start their new adventure in the top flight with a trip away to Osasuna.
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