The La Liga 2026/27 season is well underway, and we have already witnessed some interesting storylines, close finishes, and stoppage-time goals. The big three, after having spent more than €500 million combined in the summer, are once again looking to assert their dominance, as taking an early lead in the La Liga title race is necessary to have a good shot at winning it.
In this article, we will analyse how FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have started their La Liga 2026/27 campaigns and what the positives have been for the three sides so far.
La Liga 2026/27 Season: FC Barcelona’s Impeccable Start
Barcelona have started their title defence in near-perfect fashion. They have won both of their games in the La Liga 2026/27 season, scoring seven goals and conceding none. The new signings seem to have settled into the squad perfectly and are providing Hansi Flick with new attacking solutions.
How Have Barca Handled Their Striker Problem?
Barca’s biggest problem heading into the La Liga 2026/27 season was the unavailability of a proper number nine. With the Julian Alvarez transfer saga at a deadlock, Flick was forced to find solutions to his striker woes within his own squad. Raphinha has played as a centre-forward in both games so far and has found the net three times. Similarly, Fermin Lopez looks in good touch and has racked up three goals as well.
The Headline Positive For Hansi Flick’s Team
The biggest positive for Barcelona has been the emergence of Xavi Espart. Hansi Flick has started the former La Masia midfielder at left-back in both games, a position he has never played before. Espart has lived up to his coach’s expectations and has never looked out of sorts for a moment in his new position. His connection with the new signing Anthony Gordon at left wing is working really well for Blaugrana, where one player inverts into the left half-space and the other provides the necessary width by staying close to the touchline.
La Liga 2026/27 Season: Real Madrid’s Modest Start
Real Madrid, after their troubles in the last two seasons, have started the La Liga 2026/27 season on a positive note. In their first game, Real Madrid were challenged by a resilient Espanyol side, but Carlos Espi bailed Los Blancos out by scoring the winner in the 90th minute. In their second game, Real Madrid looked sharp and beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
How Is Jose Mourinho Succeeding At Santiago Bernabéu?
Before the start of the La Liga 2026/27 season, everyone was curious to see how Jose Mourinho would influence the stars at Real Madrid and turn things around for Los Blancos. The start, though, has been good, with the Santiago Bernabéu applauding Vinicius Junior as he was subbed off against Sociedad after a commendable performance.
The Portuguese manager said that the substitution was planned by him to let Vinicius know how much the fans love him. After the game, Mourinho said:
“I know that Vini Jr. was booed by the fans last season, so I decided to sub him out to let him hear the love from the fans after he scored!”
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The Defining Positive For Jose Mourinho’s Side
The biggest positive for Real Madrid has been the injection of Bernardo Silva into the midfield. The Portuguese midfielder has brought the control back to the Real Madrid side that they have so missed after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The Los Blancos defence still seems a bit unsteady at times, but given their attacking star power and ability to find ways, one cannot rule out this revamped Real Madrid side going toe-to-toe with Barcelona for the La Liga title.
La Liga 2026/27 Season: Atletico Madrid’s Promising Beginning
Atletico Madrid are enjoying a decent start to their La Liga 2026/27 season amid all the off-pitch drama. Los Colchoneros have won two of their opening three games and are currently top of the La Liga table. They remain unbeaten in the league, as the draw sandwiched between the two wins came against Villarreal at home, where Robin Le Normand received a red card.
How Have Rojiblancos Overcome Their Major Concern?
The biggest concern for Rojiblancos before the La Liga 2026/27 season was that they were starting the season without a centre-forward. Julian Alvarez looks determined to leave the club and has stopped training with the first team, citing illness. Alexander Sorloth was injured in pre-season and is currently unavailable for selection. Alex Baena and the new signing Kang-in Lee have stepped up in the Norwegian’s absence and have not let Diego Simeone feel that he is missing a forward to lead his attack.
The Key Factors Behind Atleti’s Initial Success
Atleti’s good start to the La Liga 2026/27 season is because of two important factors. The addition of Kang-in Lee to the line-up has provided Los Colchoneros with a left-footed player on the right flank. Atleti had missed such a profile for a long time, and at times, they struggled to create clear-cut chances from that side because Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone are heavily right-footed players.
Pablo Barrios’ return has also completely transformed this Atleti side. The Spanish midfielder missed the majority of last season due to injury, but he has been pivotal in Atleti’s midfield and has proved to be a difference-maker because of his on- and off-the-ball abilities.
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