Fans of La Liga have been treated to quite the spectacle throughout the first half of the 2024/25 season, but perhaps not the one they were expecting. Real Madrid successfully romped to the crown last term, as well as a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League trophy. The addition of Kylian Mbappe in the summer was supposed to send them to another stratosphere but throughout his first six months at the Bernabeu, both the mercurial Frenchman and his new team have faltered.
In their place, a familiar foe has risen to the fore. But not the one most supporters would expect from Catalonia. No, this one is a 21st-century powerhouse from much closer to home.
After a gutsy start to the season, Atletico Madrid are currently the shock league leaders. Thanks to the brilliance of Antoine Griezmann – a man who is aging like fine wine – Los Rojiblancos have managed to grind out a series of one-goal wins to seal their spot at the top of the standings. But who will emerge victorious as the campaign progresses?
Atletico Madrid
At the midway point, Atletico Madrid sit proudly atop the La Liga table with 44 points from their opening 19 matches, losing just once in the process. This impressive run includes a record-breaking streak of 14 consecutive victories across all competitions, a run that has seen Los Rojiblancos return to their defensively sound approach that has prepared rewards over the last decade.
Under Diego Simeone’s stewardship, Atleti have emerged as a genuine powerhouse. Since he took over the club some 13 years ago, they have twice won La Liga, twice won the Europa League, and reached two Champions League finals. This season, he is on the hunt for yet another Spanish title, and he would love to get it at the expense of Mbappe and Real Madrid, a combination that was expected to run roughshod across Spanish football.
Antoine Griezmann continues to be the star of the show, seamlessly linking industrious midfielders such as Rodrigo De Paul, Conor Gallagher, and Pablo Barrios with the brilliant new addition Julian Alvarez up top. They have conceded just 12 goals so far this season, the lowest in the league by some distance, and their last-gasp away victories against Barcelona domestically and Paris Saint-Germain on the continent will give them hope that their impressive run can continue.
Maintaining their lead will require Atletico to preserve this level of consistency, particularly when facing their closest rivals. Focus and discipline in crunch fixtures, like February’s Madrid derby and the return fixture with the Blaugrana a month later, will be essential. Additionally, Simeone must carefully manage squad rotation with the Champions League knockout rounds looming, ensuring that they don’t suffer a disappointing exit as they did with the final beckoning last season.
Real Madrid
Second in the standings with 43 points, Real Madrid remains in close pursuit of their city rivals. Online sportsbooks made them the overwhelming favourites for the title in preseason, and they are still narrowly favored, despite currently sitting second. Popular sites such as Thunderpick Sportsbook currently make them an odds-on -120 frontrunner for the trophy. If they are to live up to the billing, they will need to iron inconsistencies out of their game.
They remain reliant on their high-profile stars to deliver. Mbappe endured a sluggish start to his Madrid career, but he now leads their scoring charts with 15 goals, including crucial strikes against Sevilla and Girona. Vinicius Jr. remains a menace on the left-hand side, while Jude Bellingham’s recent return to form has been much needed.
Despite his goalscoring exploits last season, the Englishman didn’t find the back of the net for three months to start the season. Since mid-November, however, he has netted nine times, and his return to form has coincided with his side beginning to pick up results.
Despite the recent upturn, however, defensive frailties remain a concern. Los Blancos have shipped 19 goals in 19 games so far this season, and they have been on the receiving end of not one but two drubbing to Barcelona. They were thumped 4-0 at the Bernabeu back in October, and a 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup has left plenty to be desired.
Barcelona
Barcelona were initially the runaway La Liga leaders. They started the campaign with seven straight wins and 11 wins in their first 12 games, building up a huge lead at the division’s summit. Since then, however, they have won just one of their last seven, seeing them tumble down to third place in the table and trailing the league leaders Atletico by six points.
Despite the gap, the Catalan giants boast the league’s best attacking record, having netted a staggering 51 goals in 19 matches. Robert Lewandowski remains as clinical as ever, leading the charge with 26 goals in as many games in all competitions. However, the rejuvenation of winger Raphinha has been the talking point of the campaign thus far.
The former Leeds United man was rumoured to be on his way out of Catalonia in the summer. Since then, his turnaround has been remarkable. He has bagged 19 goals so far this term and has been rewarded for his stellar displays, now wearing the captain’s armband. Rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Gavi have added a spark to their already potent offence, but Barca must find a way to break down more stubborn defenses if they hope to be crowned champions.