MADRID, MAY 24 (IANS): The 2025-26 La Liga season concluded Saturday night with FC Barcelona clinching the title, Real Madrid finishing second and Oviedo, Mallorca and Girona relegated to the second division. The campaign offered contrasting fortunes across Spain’s top flight, with some clubs celebrating success and others facing disappointment.
Under coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona overcame a slow start—partly due to the departure of defender Inigo Martinez to Saudi Arabia—to dominate the league. Flick’s faith in youth and effective squad rotation ensured injuries had little impact. Standout performers included Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and Joan Garcia.
Villarreal secured Champions League qualification early with rapid counter-attacking football. Gerard Martin impressed as Spain’s top striker, while Georges Mikautadze shone. However, their poor Champions League run and Marcelino Garcia Toral’s departure clouded the success.
Real Betis guided by Manuel Pellegrini, Betis also qualified for the Champions League. Cucho Hernandez, Aitor Ruibal and Ezze Abde were key contributors.
Celta Vigo finished sixth and reached the Europa League quarterfinals under Claudio Giraldez. Borja Iglesias led the attack, while Carl Starfelt anchored the defense.
Getafe, despite unattractive football, Jose Bordalas’ tactical discipline and strong January signings lifted them to seventh, earning a Conference League spot.
Rayo Vallecano finished eighth despite one of the lowest budgets, and reached the Conference League final. Coach Inigo Perez is expected to depart for Villarreal.
Real Sociedad improved under Pellegrino Matarazzo, winning the Copa del Rey and securing European football.
Real Madrid ended a second straight season without a major trophy. They trailed Barcelona in La Liga, lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, and were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Albacete. Xabi Alonso was sacked mid-season, replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, but player power undermined progress. Major changes are expected.
Atletico Madrid despite reaching the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinals, Simeone’s side again failed to secure silverware, frustrating fans after heavy spending.
Athletic Club injuries, poor form and predictable tactics under Ernesto Valverde led to a disappointing campaign. New coach Edin Terzic is tasked with revival.
Valencia narrowly avoided relegation and nearly qualified for Europe under Carlos Corberan, who worked with limited resources.
Sevilla struggled until Luis Garcia Plaza steadied the team. A takeover promises improvement. Espanyol, a strong start collapsed into an 18-game winless run, but late recovery ensured survival. Alaves survived thanks to Toni Martinez’s goals after Quique Sanchez Flores replaced Eduardo Caudet.
Elche coach Eder Sarabia stuck to his philosophy, guiding the team to safety in its return season. Levante’s Luis Castro inspired a miraculous escape, with Carlos Espi scoring 11 goals in limited minutes. Osasuna collapsed in the final month, barely surviving relegation. Coach Alessio Lisci’s future is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Oviedo failed to build a competitive squad. Mallorca paid for sticking too long with Jagoba Arrasate before appointing Martin Demichelis. Girona hampered by bad luck, finishing the season without strikers.
