Barcelona, the defending champions of La Liga for the 2025-26 season, have started their title defense with a solid performance, currently holding a record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and no losses after five matches. They sit second in the league table with 13 points and an impressive goal difference of +13, scoring 16 goals and conceding only 3. This strong start reflects their continued quality under Hansi Flick, who led them to the title last season with two matches to spare[1][2].
Despite Barcelona’s promising form, Real Madrid is currently leading the league with a perfect record of 6 wins from 6 matches, accumulating 18 points and a +11 goal difference. Real Madrid’s dominance is underpinned by an excellent balance of attack and defense, with an expected goals (xG) average of 2.25 per match and conceding just over 1 goal per game. Their tactical flexibility and depth in squad options have allowed them to maintain consistent performances, even with some unconventional lineups[2][3][4].
The competition for the title is therefore intense, with Real Madrid appearing to be the main challengers to Barcelona’s defense of their crown. Atletico Madrid, the other traditional powerhouse, is also aiming to reclaim the title but has yet to match the consistency of the top two. Other teams like Villarreal and Real Betis are in the mix but are considered longer shots for the championship this season[1].
Barcelona’s challenge will be to maintain their defensive solidity and goal-scoring prowess as the season progresses, especially with the high-profile El Clasico matches against Real Madrid scheduled for October 26 and May 10. These fixtures will be critical in shaping the title race and testing Barcelona’s resilience under pressure[1].
In summary, Barcelona is meeting expectations as defending champions with a strong start, but Real Madrid’s flawless record and tactical improvements present a significant challenge. The title race remains wide open, and Barcelona will need to sustain their form and manage key fixtures carefully to retain their La Liga crown.