LaLiga will be sending five teams to the Champions League next season. And while that sounds impressive, we’ve watched enough European nights to know not all spots are created equal.
Some of these teams are there to contend and others are just happy to be involved.
So, here’s how the teams coming in from Spain rank. From ones likely to crash out early to ones who might just light up Europe.
Embed from Getty Images5. Villarreal CF – The Yellow Submarine might sink early
To be honest, Villarreal CF have European history. That Europa League win under Emery? Iconic.
Even the semi-finals finish of the Champions League in 2022? Superb.
But since then, they’ve been in and out of form. This season though, they clawed their way back into the Champions League
But can they survive the group stages with a likely heavyweight?
Their squad lacks depth. They play beautiful football but often forget the defending part. And unless they beef up this summer, they might just stay happy with a group qualification.
Verdict: They could give us one electric group stage night. . . then fall.
Embed from Getty Images4. Athletic Club – Romantic story, harsh reality.
You have to love the Athletic Club. A team that only uses Basque players to get the Champions
League ticket? That’s special.
But the UCL doesn’t care about sentiment. It cares about squad depth, experience, and cold-blooded finishing. Unfortunately, Athletic don’t tick many of those boxes.
They were solid in LaLiga. Yes, they play with insane intensity. They even have the battle-tested European Champions Nico Willams in their squad.
But against the best of Europe? That lack of continental experience is going to show. If they are drawn a tough set of fixtures, it’s game over by Matchday 4.
Verdict: Beautiful to watch. But not built for Tuesday night battles in Munich or Manchester.
Embed from Getty Images3. Atlético Madrid – Tactical Masters or Mental Mess?
Now we’re in wildcard territory.
On paper, Atlético Madrid should terrify Europe. Diego Simeone thrives in knockout football.
Their squad is deep and they have two world cup winners, Antonie Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.
Their defending? Elite when they want it to be. And let’s not forget their world class and award winning goalkeeper, Jan Oblak.
But here’s the thing. They haven’t been reliable. Last UCL campaign? Average.
Their recent LaLiga run? Trophyless, despite spending more than every other club in Spain combined. But, if Simeone gets them focused and angry, they could make it to the quarters or beyond.
If they show up confused, like they did this season, another early exit looms.
Verdict: Built for Europe, but they need to act like it.
Embed from Getty Images2. Barcelona – Rebuilding, but still dangerous
Barça aren’t the scary monster they once were, but let’s not act like they’re not threatening.
Hansi Flick is in now. The squad is young, hungry, and already battle-tested from last season’s Champion’s League experience. They reached the semi-finals, and for a team in rebuilding mode, that’s more than decent,no matter what their rivals say.
Yes, financial drama still looms. Yes, their bench could be deeper. And maybe they’ve got this
goalkeeper mess going on. But they’ve got talent. They’ve got structure.
And with Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha still around, they’ve got goals in them.
Verdict: Could shock us all, especially if the draw is kind. Semi-final potential.
Embed from Getty Images1. Real Madrid – Obviously
Do we even need to explain this?
Madrid live for the Champions League. No matter the form, no matter the drama, they show up.
Some fans even feel like their name and glory is enough to win the league. And, they might not be wrong.
They weren’t so great this past season. But do not doubt them when it comes to Europe, especially under new coach, Xabi Alonso.
Bellingham. Vini. Rodrygo. Mbappe and now, Trent too. Game over.
Their depth, their history, their mentality. It’s all built for the pressure cooker of midweek football. Semi-final minimum. Anything less would be a failure.
Verdict: Until proven otherwise, this is their tournament.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs you can see, LaLiga’s Champions League hopes rest on familiar shoulders.
Madrid and Barça are the main characters. Atlético might surprise us. Athletic and Villarreal? Well, one can never say what the football script will write.
Still, with five teams in the mix, Spain might just come up with something special. And if nothing else, they’ll give us drama.
And that’s all we ever really ask for.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Pejuola Ransome
INMR FOOTBALL 
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