Real Madrid won La Liga by a comfortable margin and also brought home a UEFA Champion’s League crown. The Spanish giant won’t want to concede any ground to try and grab to grab their third La Liga crown this season.
| Bonus | |
|---|---|
 #1 BetMGMREVIEW | New Customers - Up to $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days One new customer offer/Add'l Terms Bet Now 21+ Playable in Ohio only Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-589-9966 |
It’s easy to bet on soccer: check out our tutorial.
Although Real Madrid has strung together a number of strong seasons at the top of the table, there will be plenty of challengers. Here’s a look at how the teams did during the transfer window and who has value to challenge Real Madrid during the 2022-23 season.
Barcelona can be great, if they pay the bills
Barcelona has been mired in a controversial offseason filled controversies over finances. When it comes to players they could have added, Barcelona found of the top scoring options in forward Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski had been with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga since the 2014-15 season.
In the past three seasons, Lewandowski has scored 30 or more goals. With the added scoring punch, Barcelona could cut down on the 13-point deficit in the standings from last season. What may prevent FC Barcelona from breaking through is crushing financial burdens.
The club, which is +150 to win the league, has been dealing with financial issues due to debt that is limiting their ability to grab more pieces. FC Barcelona did add a healthy haul of players, also adding Pablo Torre, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Jules Kounde in addition to Lewandowski.
Striker help wanted
Real Madrid is still actively pursuing another striker during the transfer window. The defending league champions don’t want to rest on their laurels. Real Madrid led La Liga last season by scoring 80 goals and had a +49 goal differential.
Currently sitting as +125 favorites to win the league, Real Madrid has been relatively quiet in the transfer market thus far. The team is bringing on 22-year-old defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni from Ligue 1’s Monaco. There is sentiment they may try to add a few more players before all is said and done.
Real Madrid is eyeing Andrea Belotti, who is 28 and played with Torino in Series A last season.
Athletico Madrid seeking Ronaldo?
Other than FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid paid the top transfer team for a La Liga team. They were able to lure right-back Nahuel Molina from Udinese in Serie A. During his tenure in Italy, the Argentine national scored 10 goals and handed out seven assists in 68 assists. Last season, Athletico Madrid only finished two points behind FC Barcelona for second place.
There are rumors Athletico may be pursuing Cristiano Ronaldo to come back to La Liga. Long one of the best players in the world, Ronaldo returned to Manchester United after spending a few years with Juventus is Serie A. Athletico Madrid is +600 to win the league and -305 to finish in the Top four to grab a coveted spot in the Champion’s League.
Sevilla wants to protect turf
Sevilla was able to grind out a spot in the top four last season the ugly way. By compiling 16 draws, Sevilla was able to ride its low-scoring style to a high position in the standings. At the end of the day, Sevilla ended up finishing one point behind Athletico Madrid.
In the offseason, Sevilla spent the 10th-highest transfer fee of the transfer window thus far by spending $15.4 million on Brazilian national Marcao. Sevilla is +2500 to win the league and +125 to stay in the top four.
Top Four contenders
Off a strong Champion’s League run, Villarreal (+200) should be a strong candidate to crack the top four. Real Sociedad (+350) and Real Betis (+400) were also active in the transfer market and should challenge for the top four.