Overview

• Barcelona begin their title defence with just one major summer addition—Marcus Rashford on loan—and are limited by LaLiga spending caps that have stalled further signings.
• Marc-André ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski are doubtful for Barcelona’s August 16 trip to Mallorca after undergoing surgery and sustaining muscle issues.
• Xabi Alonso makes his Real Madrid bow on August 19 with a defence strengthened by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen.
• Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s first matches following shoulder surgery, leaving Alonso to lean on his new defensive recruits and established midfielders.
• Atlético Madrid have overhauled their squad under Diego Simeone, adding Álex Baena, Johnny Cardoso and Thiago Almada to bolster their title challenge.