La Liga fans have been treated to quite a spectacle during the first half of the 2024/25 season, but perhaps not the spectacle they expected. Real Madrid successfully lifted the crown last season, as well as a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League trophy. The addition of Kylian Mbappe in the summer would send them into another stratosphere, but throughout his first six months at the Bernabeu, both the erratic Frenchman and his new team have failed.
In their place, a familiar enemy has come to the fore. But not what most Catalonia supporters would expect. No, this is a 21st century powerhouse, from much closer to home.
After a brave start to the season, Atletico Madrid are currently the surprising leaders in the competition. Thanks to the brilliance of Antoine Griezmann – a man who ages like a fine wine – Los Rojiblancos have managed to complete a string of one-goal victories to clinch their place at the top of the standings. But who will emerge victorious as the campaign progresses?
At the halfway point, Atletico Madrid sit proudly at the top of the La Liga table with 44 points from their first 19 games, losing just once. This impressive run includes a record-breaking run of 14 consecutive wins in all competitions, a run that has seen Los Rojiblancos return to their defensively sound approach that has brought rewards over the past decade.
Under the leadership of Diego Simeone, Atleti has become a real powerhouse. Since he took over the club some 13 years ago, they have won La Liga twice, the Europa League twice and reached two Champions League finals. This season he is in the hunt for another Spanish title, and he would love to achieve it at the expense of Mbappe and Real Madrid, a combination that would be expected to run roughshod over Spanish football.
Antoine Griezmann remains the star of the show, seamlessly linking industrious midfielders such as Rodrigo De Paul, Conor Gallagher and Pablo Barrios with brilliant new signing Julian Alvarez up top. They have conceded just 12 goals so far this season, the lowest in the league by some distance, and their latest wins against Barcelona at home and Paris Saint-Germain on the continent will give them hope that their impressive run can continue .
To maintain their lead, Atletico will need to maintain this level of consistency, especially when facing their nearest rivals. Focus and discipline in crucial matches, such as the Madrid derby in February and the return against the Blaugrana a month later, will be essential. Furthermore, Simeone must handle the squad rotation carefully with the Champions League knockout rounds looming so they don't face a disappointing exit like last season when the final beckoned.
Real Madrid is second in the standings with 43 points and continues to closely follow their city rivals. Online sportsbooks made them the overwhelming favorites for the preseason title, and they are still narrow favorites despite currently sitting in second place. Popular sites like Thunderpick Sportsbook currently make them a frontrunner with odds-on of -120 for the trophy. If they want to live up to the billing, they will have to iron out inconsistencies from their play.
They continue to depend on their high-profile stars to deliver. Mbappe had a slow start to his career in Madrid, but he now tops the league table with 15 goals, including crucial strikes against Sevilla and Girona. Vinicius Jr. remains a threat on the left, while Jude Bellingham's recent return to form has been much needed.
Despite his goal-scoring prowess last season, the Englishman failed to find the net for three months before starting the season. However, he has scored nine times since mid-November, and his return to form has coincided with his side starting to get results.
However, despite the recent rebound, defensive weaknesses remain a concern. Los Blancos have scored nineteen goals in nineteen games so far this season, and have suffered not one, but two thrashings against Barcelona. They were beaten 4-0 at the Bernabeu in October and a 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup left a lot to be desired.
Barcelona were initially the runaway La Liga leaders. They started the campaign with seven straight wins and eleven wins in their first twelve games, building a huge lead at the top of the division. However, since then they have won just one of their last seven, dropping to third in the table and six points behind leaders Atletico.
Despite the gap, the Catalan giants boast the league's best attacking record, with an impressive 51 goals in 19 games. Robert Lewandowski remains as clinical as ever, leading the attack with 26 goals in as many games in all competitions. However, the rejuvenation of winger Raphinha has been the talking point of the campaign so far.
The former Leeds United player was rumored to be heading to Catalonia this summer. Since then, his turnaround has been remarkable. He has scored 19 goals so far this season and has been rewarded for his excellent performances as he now wears the captain's armband. Rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Gavi have added a spark to their already potent attack, but Barca must find a way to break through tougher defenses if they hope to be crowned champions.
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