This year’s Spanish La Liga championship kicked off on August 12, and more than 20 teams vied for the coveted title.
While many defend the English Premier League, the Spanish equivalent continues to entertain with its portfolio of powerful teams combined with goals, goals, and more goals.
Fans across the globe wait with bated breath each year for the La Liga championship to start, and thousands of eager fans head to the stadiums to watch the games live.
Last year’s La Liga season was brimming with goals across its 38 games, with the title staying in Madrid and being clinched by the dominating force of Real Madrid FC.
But while there are many Spanish football teams, only a few have the privilege of being able to compete and win the La Liga title. So, which are the best? If you’re thinking about betting on the La Liga it’s essential to know who you should be looking out for.
1. Real Madrid FC
It’s no surprise Real Madrid made it to the top of the list. Currently ranked as the greatest Spanish Team in football history, the Los Blancos is a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Although the club has fewer domestic and international titles than their arch-rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid has 91 honors to their name and have just clinched their 35th La Liga title.
Owing to their domination in the Champions League, the club is recognized as the greatest team of all time, with 19 Copa del Rey trophies, 11 Supercopa de Espana titles, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 4 FIFA Club World Cups, and 3 Intercontinental Cups.
The club has had some of the most iconic players wear its white and gold jersey, including David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Roberto Carlos.
2. FC Barcelona
Founded in 1899, FC Barcelona is one of the two biggest clubs in Spain, with a whopping 94 domestic and international titles.
The club has a decorated portfolio of 26 La Liga titles, 5 UEFA Super Cups, a record 4 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups, 31 Copa del Rey trophies, and 3 FIFA Club World Cups.
Some of the football stars who have lent their talents to this world-famous football club include the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi, Ronald Koeman, Andres Iniesta, and Johan Cruyff.
3. Valencia CF
A team with 23 domestic and international honours since its founding in 1919, Valencia is one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Els Toranges (The Oranges) have won 6 La Liga titles and 8 Copa del Rey trophies, including one Supercopa de Espana and one Copa Eva Duarte title.
Like other teams, Valencia has had its share of world-renowned players, including the likes of David Silva, Mario Kempes, Pablo Aimar, Puchades, and David Albeda.
4. Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao, also known as just Athletic, is the third most successful club in La Liga – just behind Real Madrid and Barcelona – with 8 titles and 7 runner-ups.
They’re a force on the Spanish football front, having won Copa del Rey a staggering 23 times – second only to Barcelona with 31 wins. Since 1898, the Los Leones (The Lions) have a total of 34 national and international titles to their name.
Some of the clubs greatest players include Pichichi, Telmo Zarra, Ismael Urzaiz, José Ángel Iribar, and Julen Guerrero.
5. Athletico Madrid
A football club that has rapidly gained worldwide popularity in recent years, Athletico Madrid is the fourth most successful club in Spanish football.
Founded in 1903 by three Basque students living in Madrid, Athletico has dominated football with a total of 31 domestic and international honours. Los Colchoneros (The Mattress Makers) have a total of 11 La Liga titles, 10 Copa del Rey trophies, and 3 UEFA Super Cups.
Known for its playing style and dynamic setup, the club has attracted some of the best footballers in the world, including Diego Godin, Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Antoine Griezmann, and current manager, Diego Simeone.
6. Sevilla FC
Closing off our list is Sevilla FC, also known as the Red and Whites or Los Rojiblancos, one of the most successful teams in Spanish football history. Founded in 1919, they have played excellent games since, with a number of honours to show for it.
Although the club hasn’t tasted much of the La Liga glory – only 1 La Liga title to their name – Sevilla still boasts an impressive record of winning 6 UEFA Europa Leagues, the most of any club.
Throughout the club’s history, many great players wore its jersey and shined on the field, including Andreas Palop, Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos, Jose Antonio Reyes, and Diego Maradona.
