(Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Campeonato Nacional de Liga de Primera Division, commonly known as La Liga, is the top football division of Spain. La Liga like the Premier League features 20 teams.
Real Madrid has won the most titles with 34 followed by Barcelona with 26. 7 other teams have won the title since its inception in 1929 with Atletico Madrid being the only team of these to have won titles in double digits with 10.
Below are the biggest teams in Spanish football currently.
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Athletic Bilbao – 8 titles
- Atletico Madrid – 10 titles
- Barcelona – 26 titles
- Real Madrid – 34 titles
- Sevilla – 1 title
BETTING TIPS FOR LA LIGA
Before making La Liga predictions, make sure you analyse the statistics, look at certain trends and the form of teams going into the match. The more you research, the less risk you expose yourself to.
From a technical point of view, La Liga is the best league in the world. Spanish teams have generally been the stronger ones in Europe, namely Real Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League and Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League. Atletico Madrid have been really strong in recent times in the Champions League as well.
For us, quality football refers to quality betting and that is what you should also find useful.
Influenced by the country’s heat, Spanish football is known for its technical style of play, where passing and possession are generally the way teams prefer to play. Teams like avoiding long balls and crosses, which is pretty much opposite of the English game where it is done so often as they depend on height and strength to score goals from set plays.
Spanish teams look for that killer pass or through ball that can set up the “perfect goal” as many call it. Players in Spain are not renowned for their physicality and height as compared to the other big European leagues like the English, Italian and German leagues, however, tactically, these teams are generally unmatched.
With the array of odds and markets offered for La Liga action, it comes as no surprise to see so many betting options at your disposal.
The most popular sports and competitions come with the highest number of odds and markets, and it can be difficult to assess which offers the most betting value.
When you’re looking to bet on La Liga, it is very important to have a betting plan in place. This can help you keep in control of your amount, minimising the risk of overspending and helping you pick the right bets.
LA LIGA TEAMS
When someone mentions La Liga, 2 names always come to mind – Barcelona and Real Madrid. They are 2 of the biggest clubs in world football and have a very rich history having won everything there is to win on the international stage.
However, in order to win the league, they have to succeed against 18 other teams. Here are the teams that are currently playing in the first division of Spanish football.
Alaves
Deportivo Alaves was founded in 1921, in the Basque Autonomous Community province of Alava.
It is the third-most successful club in the Basque Country after Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.
The club plays its home games at the Mendizorrotza (or Mendizorroza) football stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Nicknamed the Babazorros and El Glorioso, Alaves achieved its greatest success when the team reached the UEFA Cup (now, Europa League) final in 2004 but unfortunately lost to Liverpool because of the golden goal format.
Alaves managed to reach the 2017 Copa del Rey final but were outclassed by giants, Barcelona. Deportivo Alaves is majorly owned by basketball team Saski Baskonia and Abelardo Fernandez is the current head coach of the club.
The side is captained by Manu Garcia and has managed to stay in the top flight since 2016.
Athletic Club
Athletic Club, famously known as Athletic Bilbao is a club based in the city of Bilbao in the Basque Country in Spain.
Nicknamed Los Leones (The Lions), the club plays its football at the San Mames stadium. La Catedral (The Cathedral) as it is popularly known has seen its fair share of success in Spanish football.
The club has won the La Liga on 8 occasions but the last win came all the way back in 1983-84 and 23 Copa del Rey titles, which is only second to Barcelona but their last success in this competition also came way back in 1983-84 itself.
The team did win the Supercopa de Espana in 2021, finally ending the barren run of silverware at the club after beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the knockout before overcoming Barcelona in the final in extra-time, 3-2.
Find all you need to know about Bilbao, here – https://www.footballbetting.org/athletic-bilbao/
Atletico Madrid
Club Atletico de Madrid was founded in 1903 as the Athletic Club Sucursal de Madrid.
Popularly referred to as “Atleti” and “Atletico”, the club is the third most successful in Spain.
Atletico Madrid has won the Spanish La Liga 10 times including the last in 2013-14. The club also has 10 Copa del Rey titles to its name along with 3 UEFA Europa League titles.
They have never won the UEFA Champions League but have been finalists on 3 occasions including 2013-14 and 2015-16.
The side is captained by Spaniard Koke and Diego Simeone is the longstanding head coach.
Find all you need to know about Atletico Madrid here – https://www.footballbetting.org/atletico-madrid/
CA Osasuna
Osasuna, founded in 1920, is a Spanish football team based in Pamplona, Navarre.
The club plays its home games at Estadio El Sadar and is the only Navarrese club to play football in Spain’s top flight.
Los Rojillos have never won a national trophy and came closest in 2005 when they reached the final of the Copa del Rey.
Osasuna has finished 4th in La Liga twice – 1991 and 2006 but nothing more than that ever.
They have won the second division title 4 times including 2018-19 when they made it back to the first division of Spanish football.
They have spent most of their history outside the first division and are hoping for a consistent run in La Liga.
The club has 7 third division titles and they will be hoping that they never have to return there again.
Cadiz CF
Cadiz Club de Futbol was founded in 1910 in Cadiz, Andalusia.
It plays its home games at Estadio Ramon de Carranza and Magico Gonzalez is the club’s greatest ever player.
Between 1929 and 1977, Cadiz spent all its time in the 2nd and 3rd tier of Spanish football.
Los Piratas (The Pirates) were promoted to La Liga in 1977 for the first time and has spent most of its time in the first or second divisions in Spain.
The club has never made the finals of the Copa del Rey. Their best finish came in 1989-90 when they were knocked out in the semifinals.
They have spent 13 seasons in the first division of La Liga, 40 seasons in the 2nd division, 16 in the 3rd, 12 in the 4th and 1 in the regional leagues.
Jon Ander Garrido is the current captain of the side and Álvaro Cervera is the head coach.
Elche CF
Elche Clube de Futbol is a Spanish football team based in Elx, Province of Alacant, in the Valencian community.
It was founded in 1923 but only entered the league system 6 years later in 1929.
They have never won the Copa del Rey or the league. The first time the club entered the first division was back in 1959 and finished 5th in 1963-64, which stands as the club’s best finish ever.
Los Franjiverdes managed to reach the final of the Copa del Rey in 1969 but have failed to make the final since.
The club was relegated from La Liga in 2014-15 as it failed to clear its unpaid tax debts.
Elche has spent 22 seasons in La Liga, 39 in the second division (Segunda), 8 in Segunda B – the third division and 19 seasons in the 4th tier of Spanish football.
DR Congo’s Omenuke Mfulu plays for the side and Fran Escribá is the current head coach of the team.
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, Spanish, English and Catalan footballers.
Barca is one of the most successful clubs in world football and one of the biggest as well.
It is the richest club in world football and is one of the highest-valued football teams as well.
The club has won 74 major trophies so far and that number is certain to move up in the near future.
Barcelona has won 26 La Liga titles, 30 Copa del Rey trophies, 13 Spanish Super Cups, 3 Copa Eva Duerte and 2 Cope de la Liga trophies.
They hold the record for the most Copa del Rey titles and have also achieved great success in international football, having won the coveted UEFA Champions League 5 times. They have 4 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup trophies (a record), a joint-record of 5 UEFA Super Cups and 3 FIFA Club World Cups.
The club has a massive rivalry with Real Madrid and features in the famed El Clasico against them.
For more information on Barcelona and tips on how to bet on the Catalans, visit our page dedicated to the Blaugrana – https://www.footballbetting.org/fc-barcelona/
Getafe CF
Getafe Club de Futbol was founded in 1983 in the south of the Community of Madrid.
The club plays its home games at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez and was in the top division of Spanish football continuously from 2004 to 2016.
They made it back in 2017 and have been there ever since. Getafe shares its biggest rivalry with Leganes – local neighbours.
The club also shares a Community rivalry with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid who are frankly, a level above.
Getafe are captained by Togo defender Djene and coached by Jose Bardalas. Cameroonian Allan Nyom is a part of the first team and Moroccan Sofian Chakla is on loan from Vilareal.
The side has never won the league or Copa del Rey but came close on 2 occasions in the cup, finishing as runners up back-to-back from 2006 to 2008.
Granada CF
Founded in 1931, Granada Club de Futbol is based in the autonomous community of Andalusia.
The Nazaries play their football at the Nuevo Los Cármenes Stadium and have featured in 25 La Liga seasons so far.
Their best finish in La Liga has been 7th, which was in 2019-20 and they have managed to reach the final of the Copa del Rey back in 1958-59.
Granada has spent 33 seasons in the 2nd division and 22 in the 3rd.
The club’s head coach is Diego Martinez and Victor Diaz wears the captain’s armband for the side.
Cameroonian midfielder Yan Eteki is a part of Granada’s first team.
Levante UD
Levante Unión Deportiva was founded in 1909 and is a club based in Valencia.
It plays its home games at the Ciutat de València Stadium.
The Granotas have spent 15 seasons in the first division of Spanish football so far and will be hoping to keep this trend ongoing.
The club has never won the La Liga or Copa del Rey but have qualified for the UEFA Europa League on one occasion.
Paco López is the head coach of Levante and Jose Luis Morales captains the side.
Cheick Doukouré from Cote d’Ivoire is a member of the first team squad where he plays as a central midfielder.
RC Celta
Real Club Celta de Vigo was founded in 1923, based in Vigo, Galicia.
The Sky Blues play their home games at Estadio Municipal de Balaídos.
Deportivo La Coruna are the main rivals of Celta as they are fellow Galician clubs. This derby is famously called the Galician derby.
Celta Vigo have never won the league title or the Copa del Rey but have reached 3 finals of the cup competition in the past, failing to win on all 3 attempts.
The club’s best ever league finish came in 2002-03 when they finished 4th and secured a UEFA Champions League spot. They made it through to the last 16 of the competition, eventually to be knocked out by Premier League team – Arsenal.
Celta de Vigo reached the semifinals of the Europa League in 2016-17 but were knocked out by another English club that year – Manchester United.
Joseph Aidoo from Ghana is a regular member of the Celta squad.
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompie, based in Seville in the autonomous community of Andalusia was founded in 1907.
The Estadio Benito Villamarín is where the club plays its home games.
The side is coached by legendary manager Manuel Pellegrini, currently and is captained by Joaquin.
Algerian star Aissa Mandi is the vice captain for Betis and Ivorian defender Paul Akouokou has become a household name among the Betis faithful in Seville.
Betis’ biggest rivals are Sevilla who they face off against in the Seville derby. They regularly feature in Europe, mainly in the Europa League.
The Green and Whites have one La Liga title to their name, which was won in 1934-35 and 2 Copa del Rey trophies as well, with the last one coming in 2004-05.
Real Madrid
One of, if not the biggest club in the world – Real Madrid Club de Futbol is not only Spain’s most decorated football club but Europe’s most decorated club as well.
It was founded in 1902 and has played its home games at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium since 1947.
The side has never been relegated from the first division of football along with Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona.
The Los Blancos have 2 massive rivalries in Spain. El Derbi Madrileno with neighbours Atletico Madrid and El Clasico against Barcelona.
Real Madrid have won a record 34 La Liga titles, 19 Copa del Rey trophies and 11 Spanish Super Cups. Their record in Europe is truly outstanding.
Madrid has 13 European Cups to its name and is the only club to have won the UEFA Champions League in consecutive years, and they bettered their own record by making it 3 in a row. They also have 2 UEFA Cups and 4 UEFA Super Cups to their name.
La Casa Blanca also holds the record for the most FIFA Club World Cups with 7!
To know more about the Galacticos and how to bet on Los Blancos, visit – https://www.footballbetting.org/real-madrid/
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad de Futbol are a football club based in San Sebastian, Basque Country, in Spain.
The club was founded in 1909 and plays its home games at the Anoeta Stadium.
La Reales (The Royals) had its longest spell in the top flight of Spanish football from 1967 to 2007 and was a founding member of La Liga in 1929.
The club has a rivalry with Basque side Athletic Bilbao. The team is led by Asier Illarramendi.
La Real have won the league title twice when they won it back-to-back in 1980-81 and 1981-82. They are also two-time winners of the Copa del Rey with the last triumph coming way back in 1986-87.
Real Sociedad also won the Spanish Supercup in 1982 but has failed to succeed in European competitions.
Real Valladolid CF
Real Valladolid Club de Futbol was founded in 1928 and is based in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon in north-western Spain.
The club plays its home games at the Estadio José Zorrilla. Brazilian football legend Ronaldo is a major stakeholder and current President of the club.
Valladolid has spent almost half of its time in the first division of Spanish football but has failed to win the league title.
The club has, however, won the now defunct Copa de la Liga in 1984. They have finished as runners-up on 2 occasions in the Copa del Rey in 1949-50 and 1988-89.
Their best ever finish in La Liga was 4th in 1962-63 but have not been close since. Valladolid have failed to qualify for European football as well.
The squad features Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq and is captained by Spanish midfielder Michel.
SD Eibar
Sociedad Deportiva Eibar was formed in 1940 and is based in Gipuzkoa in the autonomous Basque Country.
The club plays its home games Ipurua Municipal Stadium and are nicknamed Los Armeros (The Gunsmiths).
Eibar has Basque derby rivalries with Osasuna, Alaves, Bilbao and Real Sociedad.
The club has only been in the first division on 7 occasions and has never won the first division league title.
Eibar has never even won the Copa del Rey and has spent most of its time in the 2nd division and 4th division of Spanish football.
Eibar is captained by Sergi Enrich and coached by José Luis Mendilibar. Pape Diop, the defensive midfielder from Senegal is in the first-team squad of Eibar.
SD Huesca
Sociedad Deportiva Huesca is a relatively young club that was founded in 1960 and is based in the autonomous community of Aragon.
The club played in Spain’s top flight for the first time in the 2018-19 season. Its home ground is Estadio El Alcoraz in Huesca to the northeast of Spain.
The club has spent more than half its time in the 4th tier of Spanish football so simply making it to the first division is commendable.
The side has never won the Copa del Rey and has failed to make it beyond the Round of 32 in the competition.
Jorge Pulido is the captain of Huesca and Pacheta is the head coach for the side.
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club is one of Spain’s most consistent football teams and was founded in 1890 but formed in 1905.
The club is based in Seville – the capital and largest city of Andalusia. It is one of the most successful clubs in Europe having won the UEFA Europa League a record 6 times.
Sevilla is Spain’s oldest sports club solely dedicated to football. The club plays its football at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
Los Palanganas have won the La Liga once all the way back in 1945-46, the Copa del Rey 5 times with the last win coming in 2009-10 and the Spanish Supercup once in 2007.
The club has 3 Moroccans amongst its ranks in Munir El Haddadi, Bono and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol was founded in 1919 and is based in the third-largest city of Spain.
The club has a rich history and has won it all but has struggled in recent times.
The Bats play their football at the famous Estadio Mestalla in Valencia. It is the 4th-most supported club in Spain behind Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Valencia are 6-time La Liga winners with their last win coming in 2003-04.
They have also lifted the Copa del Rey on 8 occasions including their last win in 2018-19. They won the Spanish Supercup in 1999 as well.
Valencia have finished as UEFA Champions League runners up in consecutive seasons – 1999-00 and 2000-01! The club won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1979-80 and the UEFA Cup in 2003-04.
Villarreal CF
Villarreal Club de Fútbol was founded in 1923 and is based in the province of Castellon in the east of Spain.
The club started off playing a lot of football in the lower divisions of Spain and only managed to debut in the first division as late as 1998!
Villarreal has gained a lot of stability recently and qualified for the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and has been a consistently strong club in Spanish football post 2013.
El Submarino Amarillo plays its home games at the Estadio de la Cerámica and has a regional rivalry with Valencia.
Villarreal’s best finish in La Liga was 2nd back in 2007-08. The club has never won the league or Copa del Rey but features in European football on a regular basis now.
The club is captained by Mario Gaspar and Unai Emery is the head coach. Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze is a part of the first-team squad.