Real, Barca renew rivalry as new Spanish League season set to begin

Real Madrid are aiming to wrestle the Spanish League title back from champions Barcelona as the La Liga season begins on Friday.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid were dismantled on a regular basis by rivals Barcelona last season, who triumphed in all four meetings between the sides as well as winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

The Italian departed, to be replaced by former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has work on his hands to help revive them despite a squad boasting numerous star names including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Real were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup semifinals and they remain to be seen how playing in the competition will impact squad fatigue and preparation for the new season.

Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen give Alonso more options than Ancelotti had last season, along with Dani Carvajal's return from a long-term knee injury.

However Real could be short in midfield after Luka Modric’s departure and with Jude Bellingham set to be out until October after shoulder surgery.

CAN YAMAL MAINTAIN LEVEL?: Barcelona excelled in attack last season and much of that was down to skilful teenage star Lamine Yamal.