Starts: 15 August
Defending champions: Barcelona (28 titles)
Teams in Europe: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal (Champions League), Real Betis, Celta Vigo (Europa League), Rayo Vallecano (Conference League play-off)
Promoted and relegated: Elche, Levante, Real Oviedo (promoted), Valladolid, Las Palmas, Leganes (relegated)
Biggest summer signings: Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth to Real Madrid, £50m), Alvaro Carreras (Benfica to Real Madrid, £43.2m), Franco Mastantuono (River Plate to Real Madrid, £38.9m), Alex Baena (Villarreal to Atletico Madrid, £36.3m), Joan Garcia (Espanyol to Barcelona, £21.6m), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis to Atletico Madrid, £20.8m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool to Real Madrid, £8.4m), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United to Barcelona, loan).
Expert insight, from European football journalist Guillem Balague:
“Barring a dramatic changing of the guard, the 2025-26 La Liga trophy will probably be lifted by either Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid – just as it has been for the past 21 campaigns. In that time Barcelona have won 12 titles, Real Madrid seven and Atletico two.
“Real Madrid start as many people’s favourites, but did last season as well. Defence has been the main focus with the additions of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, central defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and and left back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica.
“Their most important signing, however, is probably Xabi Alonso who will be hoping to take the club back to the glory days after his huge success at Bayer Leverkusen.
“Aided and abetted by a prodigiously talented academy, Hansi Flick goes for his second title in a row at Barcelona.
“They have been prudent in the transfer market, bringing in goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United without having to put their hands into their – these days – shallow pockets.
“Barca need to improve defensively but there will be plenty of goals.
“Last but not least, Atletico – Real Madrid’s very noisy neighbour – have made their intentions clear with a very busy transfer window.
“In come midfielder Alex Baena from Villarreal, Slovakia central defender David Hancko from Feyenoord, American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, and Argentine midfielder/winger Thiago Almada from Botafogo.
“If Diego Simeone does not compete for the league and the Champions League until the last few weeks of the season, it will be considered a failure.”
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.
