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Renewal of Barça, continuity of Real, battle for Europe, race for Pichichi: La Liga gets a makeover

2022-08-12T06:33:29.270Z


La Liga resumes its rights this weekend with the first day of the Spanish championship. A new campaign marked by Barça's golden transfer window.


The (real) return of the Clasico

With the successive departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, coupled with the worrying economic situation of FC Barcelona, ​​the legendary Clasico de Liga had lost their superb flavor in recent seasons.

But the Blaugranas, pushed by a new sporting project with Xavi on the bench, have spent lavishly to reconnect with the international spotlight.

The Catalan management spent more than 150 million euros on the summer market, making Barça the biggest spending club in Europe over the period.

With Robert Lewandowski (45 million) at the forefront of their attack surrounded by other luxurious reinforcements Jules Koundé (50 million), Franck Kessié, Raphinha (58 million) or even Andreas Christensen, Barça is ready to compete for the throne of Spain.

A trophy that has eluded them since 2019.

To discover

  • League standings

  • La Liga fixtures and results

On the Santiago Bernabeu side, the Madrid management preferred to opt for a logical philosophy of continuity.

The machine of Real Madrid, so efficient and oiled, has added new bolts to its gears to be even more rehearsed at the start of the school year.

If they lost the battle for Kylian Mbappé, the Galactics record the arrivals of Aurélien Tchouaméni for 80 million euros and Antonio Rüdiger.

What to prepare quietly, with Eduardo Camavinga, the succession of the legendary trio Kroos-Modric-Casemiro.

Read alsoFC Barcelona-Real Madrid: Koundé and Tchouaméni, destinies irretrievably linked

A tough battle for Europe

Spain is used to it and this year, the battle for European tickets should rage on Spanish lawns.

Behind the mythical Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​other teams intend to jostle for the qualifying places - starting with Atlético Madrid, well reinforced on each line by the arrivals of Nahuel Molina from Udinese on the right side, from 'Axel Witsel in the middle and the return of Alvaro Morata to the front of the attack.

The two Sevillian clubs will experience high-stakes European derbies.

Betis have rejuvenated their attacking lines with the signing of young Brazilian Luiz Henrique and solid striker Wiliam José, while Sevilla FC have seen the big picture by welcoming Isco, Alex Telles, Oscar Rodriguez and Marcão.

Former Lyonnais Nabil Fékir hopes to play Europe again with Bétis.

Zuma / PANORAMIC

Gattuso wants to rebuild Valencia

Since 2015, Valencia have only twice finished in the Top 5 (fourth in 2018 and 2019), now accustomed to the soft underbelly of La Liga.

With the arrival of the Italian Gennaro Gattuso, Valencia's seventh coach in ten years, the Merengots hope to find a stable sporting project.

With this in mind, the Valencian management has bet on youth by sniffing out nice moves such as the signings of Hugo Duro (22), after a good campaign at Getafe and Samuel Lino (22) from Colchoneros.

Gattuso will also be able to count on a former AC Milan player, right winger Samu Castillejo, back in La Liga after leaving Villarreal for Italy in 2019.

Girona takes on the English accent

Bought by the City Foot Group in August 2017, the Girona FC project took a new turn this summer with the arrival of several young players from the Emirati network: the young Brazilian with high potential Yan Couto and the Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera were on loan from Manchester City in Catalonia.

Same observation for Valentin Castellanos of New York City Foot, another club affiliated with the Citizens.

The 23-year-old Argentinian striker will discover Europe after dominating MLS, finishing as the league's top scorer with 19 goals.

While the football world is questioning these new network policies, Girona is finally reuniting with the Spanish elite after leaving it in 2019 and intends to stay there once and for all.

The tight Pichichi race

With the arrival of Robert Lewandowski in Barcelona, ​​the fight for the championship's top scorer trophy promises to be interesting to follow.

Defending champion Karim Benzema (27 goals last season) will also have to be wary of Alvaro Morata returning to Atletico Madrid, who is preparing very hard.

Another strong contender in this marathon at Pichichi is Gerard Moreno, Villarreal's all-time top scorer.

Also note Vinicius (Real Madrid), Raul de Tomas (Espanyol) or even Iago Aspas (Celta) accustomed to shaking the Spanish nets for several seasons.

Source: lefigaro

All sports articles on 2022-08-12

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