Barcelona will look to defend their La Liga and Copa del Rey titles after a dominant 2023/24 campaign, but face a reshaped Real Madrid under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Hansi Flick’s side, led by teenage star Lamine Yamal, scored 174 goals in 60 matches last season, including 16 in four straight wins over Madrid. Barca have added Marcus Rashford on loan to an attack featuring Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Dani Olmo.
However, defensive weaknesses exposed in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan remain a concern.
They begin the new season with goalkeeper Joan Garcia, signed from Espanyol, a move that has sparked tension with veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been stripped of the captaincy amid disciplinary proceedings.
Alonso has strengthened Madrid’s defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50m, and left-back Alvaro Carrera from Benfica for €50m. The reinforcements come after a trophy-less season under Carlo Ancelotti, who has since taken over Brazil.
In attack, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are still seeking to hit top form together, while academy striker Gonzalo’s emergence adds to competition involving Rodrygo, Endrick and Brahim Diaz for playing time.
Leave Your Comment Here