Everything you need to know about the new LaLiga season 🇪🇸 | OneFootball

The new LaLiga season kicks off on Friday night with Almería hosting Rayo Vallecano.

But what do you absolutely have to know before the new campaign gets underway? We’ve got you covered.

Who are the title contenders?

No surprises here as the big three of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid will compete for the title once again, having won every title between them since Valencia’s 2003/2004 vintage.

Within that, it will likely be a coin toss between Barça and Madrid. Xavi’s men won the title last season and have since seen club captain Sergio Busquets and fellow legend Jordi Alba depart for Inter Miami and a reunion with Lionel Messi. The big signing is Ilkay Gündogan, who joins on a free transfer alongside Iñigo Martínez. Oriel Romeu has made a surprise return to his boyhood club from Girona.

Carlo Ancelotti has also lost his skipper with Karim Benzema being one of the many stars to move to Saudi Arabia this summer. However, the Blancos boss has added to his incredible midfield and young player pool with Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler, with the former set for a big role and the latter already a fan favourite having turned down their great rivals. Could Kylian Mbappé yet make the blockbuster move of the summer?

While Atlético are an outsider, they finished last season strongly and have added César Azpilicueta and Caglar Söyüncü to their ranks on free transfers. Will João Félix become the prodigal son and lead Diego Simeone’s men to glory?

Who are the newly promoted clubs?

Granada and Alavés immediately returned to LaLiga after a year spent in the Segunda División, the former winning the league and the latter earning promotion after defeating Levante in the play-off final.

The second automatic spot went to Las Palmas, who went up ahead of Levante via goal difference (how unlucky can you get?). Their return after five years away from the top flight means a LaLiga return to Gran Canaria, which ensures a lengthy away day for every other side.

Have there been any managerial changes since last season?

Two-time champion Rafael Benítez’s return to LaLiga with Celta Vigo is the obvious standout of the three changes this summer.

Elsewhere, Almería have replaced Rubi with Vicente Moreno and their opening day opponents Rayo Vallecano appointed Francisco after the departure of Andoni Iraola to Bournemouth.

Biggest transfers?

fixtures to look out for

Best new kits

Home: Valencia

Their Puma home kit is a throwback to Los Che’s early 2000s heyday. Could it inspire a turnaround in fortunes?

Away: Cádiz

An all-black kit with gold colouring? Sign us up. Cádiz might be one of the smaller teams in LaLiga but their away kit this season tops the table.