MADRID, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- If last season was a virtual stroll for Real Madrid in La Liga, this season should also be relatively comfortable for the European champions.
Real Madrid won the league by 10 points in the 2023-24 campaign and the win would probably have been even more comfortable but for easing off at the end of the season as they chased their 15th Champions League title.
Carlo Ancelotti's side lost just one game (against Atletico Madrid) and won the title with 87 goals in their favor and just 26 against.
The bad news for other clubs is that this season, Real Madrid (with one exception) look to be even stronger, after finally signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint Germain, along with 18-year-old Brazilian forward, Endrick.
Mbappe has dominated French football and his pace and power will make an already fearsome Madrid attack even more threatening. Last season saw Real Madrid at times happy to see rivals have the ball, before hitting them with a counter-attack led by Fede Valverde, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
If you add Mbappe to the mix, the threat on the break is even more potent, although there is a slight doubt about where he will play. Both the Frenchman and Vinicius like to start and cut in from the left, but obviously, they can't both do that, so either Vinicius moves to the right or Mbappe plays more through the center - which seems likely.
Toni Kroos' retirement has left a hole in midfield and his ability to keep the ball, with a pass accuracy of well over 90 percent will be missed, but Madrid have shown that with their forwards, they need very little to create clear chances and the fitness of Turkish teenage Arda Guler gives them further options up front and also with shots from outside of the penalty area.
Veteran central defender Nacho Fernandez has moved to Saudi Arabia, and David Alaba's knee injury means Madrid currently look a bit light at the back, but expect them to make a new signing in that area before the end of August, with Spain international Aymeric Laporte thought to be a target.
Thibaut Courtois has also recovered to play in goal and although Andriy Lunin filled in effectively last time around, Courtois is an upgrade between the posts. Lunin's future is uncertain, and he may opt to leave this summer, leaving the club to sign a backup goalkeeper.
Carlo Ancelotti remains a calming influence on the bench and his stability is a factor in Real Madrid's success. He may have to work hard to keep some egos in check over the season but with Real Madrid's spending ceiling almost three times that of their nearest rivals (Atletico Madrid) and three and a half times that of Barcelona, it would need disaster for them not to retain the league title - and that will allow them to again focus on Europe. ■
