Even with La Liga being a league that tends to favour the few at the top, dark horses from time to time disrupt the usual proceedings and give fans something new to be excited for.
Last season, it was the surprising run from Girona that wowed fans from all over the world, as they almost single-handedly ended the reign of usual suspects Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico.
For the upcoming season, fans of opposing clubs—or, should I say, all mid-table teams—are hoping to have a fairytale run of their own, similar to how the Catalan club have shaken up the La Liga 2024 odds.
Obviously, Girona’s achievement, as incredible as it is, isn’t something that happens on a daily basis.
In fact, some say that they’ll stumble down the rankings next season, given how difficult it is to maintain a top spot if you are not one of the big clubs.
If the Blanquivermells do, in fact, falter, I have a good feeling that Real Sociedad will be the team to cause trouble at the top. Or at least, that’s what we here at SBOTOP think.
Consistency is key
For the fifth season in a row, La Real have clinched a spot in European football. Now, as much as their fans would like, winning in Europe is a tall order—something the Txuri-Urdin have yet to climb.
Last season, however, Imanol Alguacil’s side produced a brilliant display at the group stages of the Champions League, finishing the round atop their group, which featured Serie A winners Inter, Liga Portugal runners-up Benfica and a very good Leipzig squad.
The Txuri-Urdin also reached the Copa del Rey semi-final, only to miss out on the final after losing to Mallorca in penalties.
With regards to quality, La Real can be proud of the players they had who stepped up last season. Mikel Oyarzabal was given the duty of goal scoring, and he did deliver 14 La Liga goals. Elsewhere, the likes of Robin Le Normand, Martin Zubimendi, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Merino provided plenty of La Liga 2024 highlights that pleased the fans at the Reale Arena.
They also had a great goalkeeper in Aleix Remiro, who finished with 13 clean sheets in the league—only Athletic Club’s Unai Simon had more.
Despite a lively season, the team failed to beat Spain’s ‘Big 3’ in all six of their La Liga meetings. But they proved to be alright against the rest of the field.
Heading into the next season, the Donostia-San Sebastian outfit lost a key piece when Robin Le Normand was lured away by Atletico Madrid for €34 million. That’s already a huge blow for a club like them. But according to La Liga 2024 news, it may not be the end of it.
Midfielders Zubimendi and Mikel Merino may also leave, as Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are looking to acquire their services.
But it’s not like the Basque club haven’t brought in reinforcements as well. They have signed Luka Sucic from RB Salzburg for €10 million. The 21-year-old rising star contributed five goals and six assists for the Austrian side last season, and would be Merino’s replacement should he leave.
Another young player signed was former Manchester City player Sergio Gomez, who can have a fresh start with La Real and gain valuable playing time, which he lacked with the Premier League champions. The 23-year-old arrived for €9 million and can play either as a left wing-back or an attacking midfielder.
Javi Lopez—yet another player in his early twenties—arrived from Deportivo Alaves for €6 million and will hope to be a key asset on defence.
But as their conundrum last season showed, putting the ball in the back of the net remains the glaring hole for this otherwise decent squad. In La Liga, they only managed to score 51 goals—only Real Betis had less in the top seven.
His 26 goals in all competitions last season could’ve most definitely changed a lot of results for the club and instantly fix their problem in front of goal.
But in the event that they do lace their shooting boots on, then next season could be a special one to watch.
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