What Should We Anticipate as La Liga Commences Its New Season?

Madrid, Aug 13 (NationPress) The eagerly anticipated La Liga season kicks off this weekend, featuring FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid as the frontrunners for the title. While Barcelona aims to defend their championship, both Real Madrid and Atletico are determined to reclaim the prestigious trophy they've won numerous times in the past.

Here are four key elements to keep an eye on as the action resumes in Spain:

1. Who will take the field for FC Barcelona against Mallorca?

Barcelona's pre-season has been stellar, highlighted by a convincing 5-0 victory over Como, showcasing the talents of Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others. However, coach Hansi Flick must navigate the club's financial challenges that have loomed over the summer, according to reports from Xinhua.

Despite the arrivals of goalkeeper Joan Garcia and forward Marcus Rashford, salary cap restrictions have prevented Barca from registering these new signings in the first team. Additionally, Gerard Martin and Wojciech Szczesny (who signed new contracts) are also awaiting clearance.

The departures of Inigo Martinez and Marc Andre Ter Stegen, who will be sidelined for five months due to injury, have created some roster space, but not nearly enough to incorporate all players into the squad.

The burning question remains: who will be on the pitch in Mallorca for Barcelona's opening game, and who will be left watching from the sidelines?

2. Is Real Madrid ready for the season's first match?

Real Madrid requested additional preparation time for the season opener against Osasuna but was denied. Under the guidance of new coach Xabi Alonso, Madrid reached the semifinals of the Club World Cup this summer, and glimpses of the team's adaptation to Alonso's strategies were evident prior to a disappointing exit against Paris Saint-Germain. Following a successful 4-0 friendly win in Austria on Tuesday night, it will be fascinating to see how well the team has adapted since returning to practice on August 4.

Osasuna, now led by new coach Alessio Lisci, has shown gradual improvement throughout pre-season.

3. Can Atletico break free from past constraints?

Atletico Madrid has once again emerged as the biggest spender in Spain, with Diego Simeone's squad eager to mount a serious title challenge against Barcelona and Real Madrid. Alex Baena appears poised to bolster the attack alongside Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, making Atletico a formidable force on paper.

Simeone's team begins the season away at Espanyol, which has also made significant moves this summer (primarily through free transfers). This match is crucial for Atletico if they aim to seriously contend for the title.

Last season, Atletico's title hopes were hindered by draws rather than defeats, so will Simeone adopt an aggressive approach from the start? Sunday's match should provide insightful answers.

4. Can Athletic Club turn around a dismal pre-season?

Athletic Bilbao has faced a challenging pre-season, marred by injuries and six consecutive losses in preparation games ahead of their home opener against Sevilla.

Although Athletic faced tough opponents like Liverpool and Arsenal, the team has struggled to resemble the squad that finished last season in a commendable fourth place. Injuries to Oihan Sancet, Benat Prados, and Unai Gomez, coupled with Yeray Alvarez's suspension, have left coach Ernesto Valverde without several key players.

Historically, Valverde's teams start slowly and improve as the season progresses, with Athletic winning their opening game just once in nine seasons under his leadership. Sevilla also faces challenges, unable to register new players, resulting in an under-strength squad, making this match hard to predict.