The LaLiga 2026-27 power rankings – The new LaLiga season promises another fascinating battle at the top, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid again expected to occupy the leading positions. Barcelona head into the campaign as defending champions after collecting 94 points last season, while Real Madrid finished eight points behind them and Villarreal surprisingly completed the podium.
The gap between the traditional giants and the chasing pack could, however, become narrower due to changes in ambition, transfer business done this summer, and, of course, European commitments.
Villarreal’s Champions League return, Rayo Vallecano’s lack of European disturbance and the rebuilding projects at several established clubs could make the race for Europe particularly unpredictable.
However, with the summer transfer window still open until September 1, squads could yet change significantly, with incomings and outgoings playing vital roles throughout the season.
Barcelona remain the obvious benchmark. Hansi Flick’s side have retained the core of a team that dominated last season, while Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi provide additional attacking options.
Adeyemi’s versatility could prove especially useful after Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United following a successful loan, while Robert Lewandowski has also departed for Chicago Fire.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have entered a new era under José Mourinho, who was appointed on a three-year contract. Their challenge is formidable, but Barcelona’s superiority in Clásicos could prove important in a title race decided by fine margins.
Atlético have strengthened intelligently, and Diego Simeone will hope to better a fourth-place finish last season by proving a better competition for the Clasico rivals, while Villarreal and Rayo could disrupt the established order.
LaLiga 2026-27 Power Rankings
1. Barcelona — Favourites to retain the title
Barcelona remain the team to beat. Their first-choice XI already possesses extraordinary quality, meaning the summer has been more about maintaining depth than rebuilding the starting lineup.
Anthony Gordon arrived from Newcastle United before Adeyemi joined from Borussia Dortmund, with the latter capable of operating on either flank or through the middle.
The biggest question is whether Barça can replace the goals and experience lost through their attacking departures. Another forward could still arrive, but Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon, Adeyemi and the club’s established midfielders give Flick considerable attacking resources.
If the defence remains reliable, with 2026 FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament, Rodri still expected to join from Manchester City in a deal close to €80 million, another league title looks the most likely outcome.
2. Real Madrid — The closest challengers
Real Madrid should push Barcelona much harder than the final standings of last season suggest. Mourinho’s return brings tactical discipline and experience after the club endured two trophyless seasons.
The squad has also been strengthened, with Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté among the major additions, while Vinícius Junior’s contract extension also represents a very big win.
The midfield remains the obvious concern. The club struggled in that department last season due to loss of form and injuries to their regular stars, and reports continue to highlight the need for greater balance in that area.
Real Madrid have enough attacking power to win the title, but if they allow Barcelona to continue dominating the Clásico meetings, that could ultimately decide the championship.
3. Atlético Madrid — A stronger Simeone side
Atlético Madrid finished fourth last season, but their summer business suggests a serious attempt to close the gap. Morten Hjulmand, Alejandro Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee have all arrived, giving Diego Simeone additional quality in midfield, defence and attack.
The departure of Antoine Griezmann is significant, but Atlético look better equipped than they did a year ago, although the biggest issue could be the uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, with Barcelona’s reported interest creating an unwanted distraction.
If the Argentine stays and the new signings settle quickly, third place is a reasonable expectation, and that is never far-fetched for a team considered the closest to the Clasico rivals and has consistently proven themselves worthy.
4. Rayo Vallecano — The potential surprise package
Rayo are the boldest prediction in this ranking. Their eighth-place finish last season does not fully capture the momentum they built, particularly during a memorable Conference League campaign that carried them to the final.
They ultimately lost to Crystal Palace, but reaching the final demonstrated that the team can compete beyond its traditional expectations, more importantly if they do not get a hangover from the departure of coach Inigo Perez.
The absence of European football could actually work in Rayo’s favour domestically. Pep Chavarría’s move to Chelsea is a major loss after his influential season, but the reported initial £16.3 million fee gives the club room to reinvest.
A fourth-place finish remains ambitious, but Rayo have the ingredients to surprise.
5. Villarreal — Champions League challenge
Villarreal finished third last season with 72 points and secured Champions League football, their principal objective after an excellent campaign. They have therefore earned the right to be considered among Spain’s strongest sides.
The concern is the extra workload. Champions League football brings greater travel, pressure and squad demands, while Villarreal have also failed to invest in improving the team from last season.
A fifth-place finish would therefore represent a respectable outcome rather than a serious decline.
The European Race: Athletic Club, Betis, Valencia and Celta Vigo
Behind the top five, the battle should be extremely competitive. Real Betis finished fifth last season and have the experience to challenge again, while Celta Vigo’s sixth-place finish showed that their progress under a stable structure should not be ignored.
Athletic Club face a particularly interesting transition after Ernesto Valverde’s departure at the end of last season, with Edin Terzic coming in as his replacement. Valencia, meanwhile, finished ninth and remain capable of climbing if their young squad develops consistency.
Final Verdict: Barcelona still set the standard
Barcelona are not guaranteed another title, but they begin the season with the strongest combination of continuity, attacking quality and recent league dominance.
Their closest challenge is Real Madrid, who possess enough firepower to take the crown, while Jose Mourinho’s influence could make the title race considerably tighter.
Atlético should remain in the Champions League picture, Villarreal face the difficult task of balancing Europe with domestic football, and Rayo represent the wildcard.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
