Liga: Barça, Real Madrid, Atlético... the title favorites according to Opta

22.08.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Espanyol

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Real Madrid

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La Liga 2026-27 kicked off last weekend with five matches played, including victories for Deportivo Alaves, Sevilla, and Espanyol Barcelona against Getafe (3-0), Rayo Vallecano (2-1), and Levante (3-0) respectively.

However, the title favorites have yet to make their debut. Atlético Madrid will take on Malaga—back in the top flight after eight years—this Wednesday evening, while fans will have to wait until the weekend to see Real Madrid and Barça in action, against Espanyol and Elche respectively.

Stats and predictions expert Opta has released a ranking of each team’s chances of clinching the title, based on several factors including recent results, squad quality, and more.

Reigning champions FC Barcelona, winners in 2025-26, are naturally the overwhelming favorites to retain their crown, with a 45% chance—almost half. The Catalans are closely followed by Real Madrid, who have a 31% shot at securing the title.

Los Blancos approach this campaign with plenty of changes, most notably the arrival of José Mourinho on the bench, as well as the signings of Yan Dimoande, Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and Carlos Espi.

Atlético Madrid rank third with an 8% chance of winning the championship for the 12th time in their history—their first since 2021.

Villarreal, never crowned champions and third last season, sit fourth (3%), while Real Betis, who finished fifth in 2025-26 and last won the title in 1935, have a 2% chance of reclaiming the trophy.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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