The Spanish league is possibly the greatest duopoly in world football, not only because two teams have won 63 of the available 95 titles in its history (66%), but also because the two teams in question are two of the most successful clubs in football history. While the Scottish League is a duopoly OF teams that have won more than these two, the UEFA Champions League is the obvious tiebreaker which establishes the gulf in class and quality. The Spanish giants lead 20-1. Their clashes, flamboyantly named ‘El-Clasico’, are so big that the sports world stops every time they come around. When the season's fixtures are released, the first dates everyone looks for are when these two will clash. Simply put, this duopoly is a spectacle of world football that will always remain relevant. **More than a Duopoly?** That said, there is so much more to the league than just Real Madrid and Barcelona, even if it is not instantly apparent with the coverage by mainstream media. Beyond the title races that almost always involve those two, so much happens as one moves down the table. The evidence is not only in the stories and rich histories of the other clubs but also in the performances they put up against rivals in Europe. No other league has seen its other teams show up in Europe quite like La Liga’s. Since 2000, seven La Liga teams not named Real Madrid or Barcelona have reached European finals 19 times. Of the 7 teams, 4 have won in Europe, garnering 12 trophies. Of the 7 losses in finals, only 2 have come against non-Spanish teams, both in 2001. In fact, after 2001, no Spanish team has lost a European final against a non-Spanish team. Something about the football played in La Liga prepares its teams to face all kinds of challenges from teams in Europe. Perhaps, a football prediction that almost certainly guarantees a great return is a Spanish side not losing a European final against a non-Spanish side. It is no surprise, then, that the Spanish national teams swept all the finals they played this summer and currently hold multiple titles across genders and age groups, a testament to the direction Spanish football is heading. **Title Race** By the end of the season, when one takes a look at the La Liga table standings, what teams will the person see in the top 2 and who will be La Liga winners? It would be incredibly brave and perhaps unwise to bet against Real Madrid and Barcelona being the two teams there. No bet guru would put money against that outcome, especially not immediately after reigning league and CL champions, Real Madrid, signed the best player in world football, Kylian Mbappé. Of course, they have lost something major with the retirement of Toni Kroos, but not even that would make anybody bet against Real Madrid clearing all before them. Carlo Ancelotti still has a lot of work to do figuring out how to integrate Kylian and replace what Kroos gave to the team, but if anybody can do it seamlessly, it is the man himself. There is a reason that [**BetKing, the best betting site in Nigeria with the best odds, has them at 1.40 odds to win the league**.](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/outright/football/spain/la-liga)
Meanwhile, over on the Catalan side, Barcelona’s preparations for the new season have hit a snag. From failing to snap up their main summer target, Nico Williams, to losing scandalously to Monaco in their ceremonial Joan Gamper trophy game, doubts have emerged about their readiness to challenge Real Madrid. The signing of Dani Olmo has divided opinion even further, with many believing him to be a luxury signing rather than a priority. They have still not signed the Busquets replacement they badly need, especially after how much it cost them last season to rely on Oriol Romeu. Regardless, new manager Hansi Flick seems to be bringing a different approach to what Xavi brought last season, so there is still optimism that they could yet surprise the naysayers. The fact they won their El Clasico friendly without much fuss could be a good sign. An older and more mature Lamine Yamal, fresh off driving Spain to European Championships triumph, will be instrumental for them and could be the difference, as is the return of Gavi, who was having a terrific run in the side before his injury. That could massively boost their chances in the title race.
Atletico Madrid are another team expected to be part of the title race, especially after their strong transfer window. Signing Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez has given them a complete makeover in attack, with 31-year old Alvaro Morata and 30-year Memphis Depay out of the club. They have also bolstered their defence with the signing of Robin Le Normand. They come into the season looking formidable and ready to challenge for the title. Their transfer business is not even done yet either. They are still working a deal for Conor Gallagher and could still go back in for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, should that fall apart. The bookies give them an outside chance of winning the league, with [**BetKing giving them 11.0 odds to do it**.](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/outright/football/spain/la-liga) **Battle for European Qualification** No league in Europe is likely to see a fiercer fight for European places than La Liga. The battle could involve as many as eight teams, with Champions League, Europa League and Conference League places up for grabs. Girona, Real Sociedad, Athletic Club [all have similar odds](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/outright/football/spain/la-liga) for the title and will be expected to once again fight for the available Champions League spot(s). Their participation in Europe could be a major factor in determining how they handle this battle, with their ability to navigate a congested fixture schedule playing a part. Athletic Club have done well to keep their prized asset, Nico Williams, so far and will be hoping to still have him on their books by the end of the window. Real Sociedad, who have been weakened by the departure of Le Normand to Atletico Madrid, can heave a sigh of relief that Martín Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool. He will once again be key. Still, the uncertainty over Mikel Merino’s future makes it difficult for one to predict how they will line up for the season, after the window closes. Still, they have brought in Luka Sučić from Red Bull Salzburg to strengthen their midfield and also added Sergio Gómez and Javi López in defence. Girona, on their part, have had a terrible preseason and manager Michel’s statements to the press have been anything but reassuring for their fans. After a crazy campaign last year in which they finished third and claimed a Champions League spot, expectations have risen about what is possible for this team. They have had a busy time in the market though, with Donny van de Beek, Abel Ruiz, Bryan Gil and Oriol Romeu all joining. Pichichi winner, Artem Dovbyk’s departure will certainly hurt them a lot as will the departure of Savio after his loan ended. Villarreal have seen a lot of departures, notably Alexander Sørloth, Étienne Capoue and Francis Coquelin, as they look to restructure their team. The signings of Pepe Gueye and Nicolas Pépé may prove to be key for them. The squad still looks relatively thin so there may be more signings before the window closes. The task for them is clear; a return to European football.
The two Andalusian contenders for Europe have been very active in the transfer market. Both have had over 10 departures while signing 7 new players. Real Betis, who will be competing in the Conference League, seem to have done the less impressive business while Sevilla put everyone on notice with the signing of Nigerian internationals, Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho. Their most important piece of business is hiring García Pimienta, who was impressive with Las Palmas last season. Pimienta, who is a product of the La Masia way, will be looking to bring those methods and ideas to a club working its way back to prominence. Everyone expects them to be in the mix for Europe. The final team that could be in contention for European places is Valencia, on the back of the surprisingly good season they had in the last campaign. However, the uncertainty surrounding the club and its transfer business means that no one can really say whether they will be up there or down battling relegation as the months go by. That has become the theme with Valencia, such that expert betting tips don’t even work for them and tipsters just avoid them altogether. Giorgi Mamardashvili is the subject of transfer speculation and is expected to leave. He played a major role in propelling them forward last season. His replacement, Stole Dimitrievski, has already been signed. The trio of Pepelu, Guerra and Almeida could still leave before the window closes, and with Pablo Martinez and Fran Beltran linked as possible replacements. With the way majority shareholder, Peter Lim, operates, it is almost certain that we could see a weaker Valencia squad by the end of the window. **Relegation Battle** As many as six teams could be locked into the relegation battle until late in the season. Newly promoted Espanyol, Real Valladolid and Leganés are expected to be in and around those positions for most of the season, but Leganés probably have the worst chance of survival due to having spent the longest time away from the top flight, of the three clubs. They will, however, take some solace in the fact that they won the second division last season, a testament to their quality. The permanent signing of Darko Brašanac could be a boost. Las Palmas are another club that could go down this time, following the departure of Pimienta. He worked miracles to keep them up last season, and it will be interesting to see whether new manager Luis Carrión can ensure their safety. This is his first time coaching in the top tier and that could prove too much for him to handle, despite his impressive stints at Real Oviedo and Cartagena in Segunda. Getafe’s preseason has been dire after an exodus this summer and things aren’t looking good for them. Even having a manager like José Bordalás, who has no qualms using the dark arts to get results, may not be enough to save them. Anyone who fancies online betting should be looking at La Liga this coming season. While it is established that there are no sure odds anywhere, there promises to be more predictability with this league over the next 10 months. [Sign up](https://m.betking.com/account/registration) with us today for access to the most intriguing markets, book a bet and have fun with [the best betting apps](https://m.betking.com/l/mobile-app/) anywhere.