For the first time in a long time, neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona is the favourite in La Liga. Can Atlético defend their title?

The dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona over Spanish football, which has been interrupted only five times in the 21st century, is under threat this season. For perhaps the first time, the biggest favourite for the title is not either colossus, but the third-placed team, Atlético Madrid.

In 2000, La Coruña rose to the top of La Liga, and in 2002 and 2004, the then very strong Valencia did the same. But then followed a long reign by giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, who took turns for the Spanish title.

The dominance of the two colossi was only broken in 2014 by Diego Simeone and his Atlético Madrid fighters. This was followed by another six years of Culés and Los Blancos, before Atleti took on their rivals again last season.

And for probably the first time in the last 10 years, neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona is the biggest favourite to win La Liga, but Atlético Madrid.

Barcelona are going through a big financial crisis, they had to part with Lionel Messi, the attack of Depay, de Jong, Braithwaite or Dembelé is certainly not that scary. In Spain, it is generally expected that the Blaugranas will have enough problems with themselves and will not get too involved in the title fight.

However, a fresh wind has blown a short distance from the current La Liga winners. The bench of the red and white’s biggest rival has been occupied by new coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has imposed a very brisk style of play on his charges. However, Real Madrid have only strengthened with David Alaba, Camavinga can also help, but he is more of a bet for the future.

Atlético kept the championship squad from last year, Diego Simeone also got some interesting reinforcements. The skilful Argentine Rodrigo de Paul (€35 million), who arrived from Udinese, or the 22-year-old Brazilian Matheus De Cunha, who came from Hertha for €30 million, will be new signings at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The third and biggest reinforcement is Antoine Griezmann. The 30-year-old returns after two years on loan at Barcelona, Atleti also have a transfer option on the Frenchman. Only Saul Ñiguéz left the squad, but he still lost his place in the starting line-up and reportedly had disputes with coach Simeon.

The Argentine coach has a very full squad, with Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suárez, João Felix, Ángel Correa and Matheus Cunha in the attack. In midfield, he will rely on Yanick Carrasco, Marcos Lorrente and captain Koke. In goal, Jan Oblak is a reliable leader.

The Colchoneros really do look like favourites for the La Liga title, as most experts in Spain agree. The last time that anyone other than Real Madrid and Barcelona defended the title was in 1984, when Athletic Bilbao won La Liga for the second consecutive year.

Source: Transfermarkt, Marca, AS