The 2023-24 campaign in Spain’s top flight is officially underway, which means it’s a perfect time to take a look at the La Liga futures. While Barcelona beat out Real Madrid for the title last term despite a horrendous European season, the odds are rather lopsided already.
Los Blancos are a clear -130 favorite to capture their third title in the last five years. Barca comes in at +175, while Atletico Madrid (+900), Real Sociedad (+6600), and Villarreal (+6600) round out the top five. Real is also looking very dominant to start with back-to-back victories, giving us a preview of what we can expect over the next few months. Below, we’ll dive into the odds and analysis.
Madrid has a total of 35 titles, which is the most in Spain. Barca is second with 27, while Atletico has won it 11 times before. It’s basically a two-horse race this season, though.
Real Madrid (-130)
Los Blancos might’ve disappointed in 2022-23 as they finished a whole 10 points behind Barcelona in the title race, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side is a deserving favorite this time around. Although Karim Benzema departed for Saudi Arabia, one of their best players ever, the attack is in good hands with Vinicius and Rodrygo. Plus, let’s not forget Madrid just signed Jude Bellingham this summer, perhaps the best young midfielder in the world.
The Englishman has already made his presence felt through two games, scoring a pair of goals. There are still some rumblings Real could make a last-minute bid for Kylian Mbappe too, but PSG’s asking price is likely too high at the moment. Adding the Frenchman to the fold would surely make the club an absolute force. Even without him though, Los Blancos has every chance to not only win La Liga but also be in the running for another Champions League trophy. We’ll see if Ancelotti can go out with a bang before taking over Brazil.
Barcelona (+175)
The Catalans were rejuvenated under Xavi in 2022-23, putting together a breathtaking campaign. Barca finished with a 28-4-6 record, bagging 70 goals and conceding just 20 in 38 games. The rock-solid backline was a massive reason they were La Liga winners. As for the transfer window, there was some movement. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are over at Inter Miami with Lionel Messi now. Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay went to Atletico. Ilkay Gundogan is a definite impact signing though, after a fantastic stint at Manchester City, where he played an integral part in their treble. Robert Lewandowski meanwhile, will be looking to build off his 23-goal, seven-assist season to begin his Barca career. Lewa is still clinical as can be, and the squad remains solid. The title-holders will give Madrid a run for their money. There is no doubt about it. Through two matches, they’ve got one win and a scoreless draw.
Atletico Madrid (+900)
To the surprise of many, Atletico won La Liga in 2020-21, but it’s unlikely they will get even close to that again. Yes, Diego Simeone’s men were third last term with 77 points, conceding less than one per game and scoring more than two goals per outing. Honestly, though, it just doesn’t seem possible for them to finish above Barcelona and/or Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Memphis and Griezmann should be helpful in the final third while Joao Felix returns from his loan spell at Chelsea. Cesar Azpilicueta and Caglar Soyuncu should strengthen the backline as well. Not a lot of value at +900 for Atletico, however. Barca and Madrid are just clearly better.
La Liga Futures Picks
Over in England, there’s only value in taking Man City because no one can touch them in the Premier League. But in Spain, it’s worth betting on both Barca and Madrid since it’s still so early, and the Catalans are technically capable of repeating. Putting some money down on the two clubs is a solid idea.
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Quinn Allen is a journalist who specializes in writing sports betting previews. He holds a senior editor position at ClutchPoints. He has been contributing to Vegas Betting as a writer since 2022.