It would be manifestly unfair to say that La Liga is all about two clubs.
For that would dismiss some of the magnificent achievements of recent years, such as Atletico’s double title triumphs of 2014 and 2021, Sevilla’s ‘super six’ Europa League successes and the way in which a number of smaller clubs have consistently defied the La Liga 2022 betting odds.
Yet for the purposes of this article, this SBOTOP observer is going to focus on the two big guns who almost everyone thinks about when it comes to Spanish football.
Right now, one of them is walking the walk, the other is talking the talk – mainly from one man in fact – although some think that may be about to change.
But despite claims to that effect, and results like the other night, I would be reluctant to read too much info one-sided friendly encounters. In fact, I would recommend against it.
For as we await a new season, the substance lies with the reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.
Los Blancos did their business swiftly and early on, bringing in Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni, while Barcelona’s summer continues to be a drawn-out drama full of sagas.
Yes, Barca emerged victorious when the two met in Las Vegas on Sunday morning through a stunning strike from new boy Raphinha. However, it wasn’t a result or performance that will greatly worry manager Carlo Ancelotti, as it was their first encounter of the pre-season.
Call it arrogance or confidence, Barca certainly seem ready to mount a challenge this time though, taking significant steps to strengthen their squad, after finishing a distant second to Real last season (13 points adrift) and going out of the Champions League at the group stage.
They have signed Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and young Pablo Torre for a combined £91.6 million, brought in Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessié on free transfers, and continue to pursue players.
Attack seems to be their biggest strength with new signings Raphinha and Lewandowski further increasing competition for places and Memphis Depay’s starting spot now under threat.
Indeed, don’t be surprised if Juventus come in with an offer for the Dutch star.
He could be just one departure from the Nou Camp in the coming weeks as part of a squad overhaul in Catalonia.
So, is the financial position as bad as initially thought?
Well, the news that the club has sold another 15% of its La Liga television rights to a US investment firm to release finances will strengthen their hand in the transfer market.
When Barcelona confirmed that deal they said it would generate a total capital gain of €267m (£227m) for this season and that Sixth Street would initially invest €207.5m.
Perhaps that is why the club appears to have everything ready for the arrival of French centre-back Jules Kounde. Barca have been competing with Chelsea for the Sevilla defender who would cost about £55m.
In fact, earlier this week they even gave fans the option to buy the club’s shirt, marked with Kounde on the back.
This was for only a few minutes, but as multiple sources have reported, Sevilla and Barcelona have finally reached an agreement for the player. Again – confidence or arrogance?
Perhaps this TV deal news will also mean they keep hold of Frenkie de Jong, a player courted by Manchester United.
De Jong is due to receive 21 million euros next season and then 28m euros the following campaign. with Barca seemingly reluctant to pay
Former Man Utd captain Gary Neville has made his stance clear: ‘De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him! A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.’
Neville is correct, of course, and I expect the situation to be resolved over the next week.
So, what appears to be a straight fight between two teams is ready to go.
Expect plenty of fiery moments in the El Clasico clashes, expect plenty of La Liga 2022 highlights and expect a title race this time rather than a one-way procession.
Above all though, let us finish with the words of ‘wise owl’ Ancelotti who believes the squad he has at his disposal now is superior to the one that won La Liga and the Champions League last campaign.
In a change to the Los Galacticos era, he and Real appear confident in their strategy of waiting for value rather than rushing to make a statement signing.
Building on what they already have, that is why they start as favourites once again for me.
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