Kylian Mbappé has joined Real Madrid ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta at the Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, scheduled for August 13, 2024. Real Madrid is emerging as a strong contender in Europe this year, having comfortably won the Spanish league and added another Champions League trophy to their collection.
With Mbappé’s arrival, Madrid is now a favorite to win back-to-back league titles for the first time since the 2007-08 season. Meanwhile, Barcelona is grappling with financial issues and will debut its new coach, Hansi Flick, as Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone has strengthened his squad by signing Argentine forward Julián Álvarez and Spanish defender Robin Le Normand.
The league kicks off this Thursday with Athletic Bilbao, the King’s Cup champion, hosting Getafe. Girona, which surprisingly finished third last season, will visit Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis.
Key storylines to watch this season:
REAL MADRID Mbappé enhances an already potent attack that includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, as well as the emerging Brazilian teenager Endrick. Mbappé is expected to start alongside Vinicius, likely pushing Rodrygo out of the starting lineup, while 18-year-old Endrick may need to bide his time before getting significant playing time.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will miss Toni Kroos, who retired after last season, but veteran midfielder Luka Modric will remain for at least another year. Additionally, Ancelotti will have Jude Bellingham, who impressed in his first season with the club. The squad will also welcome back Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, and David Alaba, all of whom missed significant time due to injuries last season.
BARCELONA Hansi Flick’s era begins at Barcelona following the departure of Xavi Hernández, whose last year was marred by various issues. Flick will not have significant new signings to work with and will start the season with uncertainties surrounding the fitness of key players like Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong. João Félix and João Cancelo have both left the club. Barcelona, which finished 10 points behind Madrid last season, will kick off this campaign against Valencia on Saturday.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID Finished fourth last season, 19 points behind their city rivals, Atlético has bolstered its squad with international talents like Álvarez, Le Normand, and Norwegian Alexander Sorloth. French forward Antoine Griezmann is expected to remain the key attacking force. Atlético’s first match of the season is scheduled for Monday against Villarreal.