Mbappé makes Madrid heavy favorite to repeat as Spanish league champion for 1st time in 17 years

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid was one of the teams to beat in Europe last season, winning the Spanish league with ease and adding another Champions League trophy to its collection.

And what was good got even better for 2024-25, with France star Kylian Mbappé finally joining the Spanish powerhouse after years of flirtation between both sides.

Mbappé’s addition makes Madrid the heavy favorite to win back-to-back league titles for the first time since 2007-08.

Barcelona, still struggling financially, will debut coach Hansi Flick, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid brought in Argentina forward Julián Álvarez and Spain defender Robin Le Normand to improve its squad.

The league kicks off Thursday with Copa del Rey champion Athletic Bilbao hosting Getafe, while Girona — the surprise team from last season after a third-place finish — will visit Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis.

Here’s what to watch in the Spanish league this season:

Mbappé’s Madrid

Mbappé will boost a Madrid attack that includes Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and will also count on young Brazil sensation Endrick.

Mbappé is likely to start alongside Vinicius, with Rodrygo losing his spot as a starter. Endrick, who is only 18, is expected to wait a bit longer to make it to the squad.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti won’t count on stalwart Toni Kroos, who retired after last season, but fellow veteran midfielder Luka Modric will stick around for what is expected to be his final campaign with the club.

Ancelotti will still count on Jude Bellingham, who is returning after thriving in his first season with Madrid.

Madrid’s success came despite many serious injuries to some of its top players, including Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão and David Alaba — all who should be fully fit again to start the new season.

There was an early setback already, though, with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga set to miss several weeks because of a knee injury.

The defending champions, looking to win their third league title in four seasons, debut at Mallorca on Sunday.

Flick’s Barcelona

The Hansi Flick era in Barcelona begins after the German coach replaced former great Xavi Hernández, whose final year with the club was marred by turmoil on and off the field.

Flick won’t get any new significant signings for his first season, which will begin amid lingering doubts surrounding the fitness of midfielders Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.

João Félix and João Cancelo are among the players not staying for 2024-25.

Barcelona, which finished 10 points behind Madrid last season, kicks off its campaign at Valencia on Saturday.

Atletico’s additions

Atletico Madrid finished only fourth last season, behind Girona, Barcelona and Madrid. Simeone’s team ended 19 points behind the city rival in the standings.

But the club boosted its squad with some international players that include Álvarez, Le Normande and Alexander Sorloth of Norway.

France forward Antoine Griezmann should remain the team’s top weapon in attack.

Among those who left are Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso, Memphis Depay and Spain international Álvaro Morata.

Atletico’s first game will be at Villarreal on Monday.

Girona’s losses

Girona made an impressive run to third place last season, earning a spot in the Champions League for the first time in club history.

But the Catalan club will have a hard time repeating its success after the departures of several players, including Artem Dovbyk, Aleix Garcia, Savinho, Eric Garcia and Yan Couto.

Others

Girona will debut against a Real Betis squad that will be among the other contenders, at least for a European spot. The group also includes Basque Country rivals Athletic and Real Sociedad.

Valencia and Villarreal will be looking to build on decent seasons in 2023-24, while Sevilla hopes to be further from the relegation zone than it was last campaign.

Leganes, Valladolid and Espanyol were the three teams promoted to the first division.

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