The 2025-26 La Liga season is here, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are fighting to retake the division crown from Barcelona.

Gareth Bale saw a goal disallowed as Barcelona and Real Madrid played out a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou on Wednesday. LaLiga's top two went into the contest level on points this season and with 72 wins each from previous league meetings, and there was nothing to separate them in a tense clash in Catalonia.

Barcelona remain top of La Liga after Real Madrid draw 1–1 with Girona, reclaiming the lead by a single point ahead of a tough clash with Atletico Madrid.

La Liga have been told that referees don’t want to handle Real Madrid or Barcelona games right now due to the regular headlines created when decisions go against the two clubs. Real Madrid TV have made a regular feature of criticising match officials and have even claimed recently that “La Liga is being corrupted” by errors made during matches.

Saturday's 2-0 home win against Osasuna brought significant signs of progress from Barca, after a rocky few months for their back line

“Xabi stay, Xabi stay,” Barcelona fans chanted from the stands at Camp Nou during the match against Osasuna. The chant, clearly delivered with irony, reflects the current perception surrounding Alonso: that his time at Real Madrid has been harmful to the team. That explains why Barcelona supporters would like his tenure to last as long as possible.

Barcelona and Real Madrid both have third-tier opposition to look forward to in the 2025–26 Copa del Rey round of 32 as they prepare for respective meetings with Guadalajara and Talavera.

Those in recruitment and transfer positions at the Etihad Stadium are certainly not looking worried over Erling Haaland’s future amid links to La Liga.Within Manchester City, there remains a strong