We’re almost a third of the way through the 2025/26 La Liga season and the title race is heating up, with the El Clasico pair in positions one and two, with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid giving chase.
Reigning champions Barcelona are trailing Real Madrid and Hansi Flick’s side are yet to hit the heights that took them to glory last May and, while only three points separate the two clubs, the SBOTOP La Liga 2025 betting odds currently back Xabi Alonso’s Madrid.
Barca won’t give up their title without an almighty battle; but bosses at the Camp Nou already have their eyes on next season as they look to replace veteran striker Robert Lewandowski who looks likely to be on his way. The lethal Pole arrived in Catalonia in 2022 and he has since scored 76 goals in 112 games; but his contract expires at the end of this season and the 37-year-old is considering his next move. He won’t have any shortage of offers but sources close to Lewi say he won’t consider a move to the Saudi Pro League.
In the weekend’s La Liga 2025 news, the rumour that Barcelona may go back to Munich for their next goal-getter gathered pace, and they are looking for a striker as prolific as Lewi. Step forward England star Harry Kane who has, once again, been in outstanding form, breaking through the 100-goal mark in Bavaria in only his third season at the club. Reports suggest that Kane is the Blaugrana’s number one option to replace Lewandowski, who made his successful switch from Munich to Barcelona a year or so older than Kane is right now. The 32-year old showed, yet again, how good a striker he is, scoring both England’s goals in a 2-0 win over Albania at the weekend.
The profile fits, the calibre fits and I can see Catalonia being an attractive option for Kane’s next move.
If the Englishman’s move to Catalonia doesn’t materialise then Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is the next name on Barcelona’s list, but the Turkish giants have slapped a 120m Euros price tag on his head. The Nigeria star won the Scudetto with Napoli and he clearly has all the attributes needed to succeed in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Barca have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid’s in-form striker Julian Alvarez but talks with Los Rojiblancos are yet to open.
Back to the now… and Barcelona can go back to the top of the La Liga table on Saturday when they host Athletic Club, but then Los Blancos can return to the top if they avoid defeat at Elche on Sunday. And, while the Blaugrana have not been firing on all cylinders, one of the success stories has been the form of Marcus Rashford since he made a loan switch from Manchester United in the summer. He has scored two goals and made seven assists in 12 La Liga matches and the forward has made no secret of his desire to move to Barcelona permanently, though it is far from certain that Barca will make his wish come true as they prepare for the future, already ruling out a move in January.
Huijsen headache for Los Blancos
Before the international break Real Madrid’s lead at the top of the La Liga table reduced to three points after they were held to a draw by Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona are ready to pounce. And the news emerging from the Spain camp this week, that defender Dean Huijsen has been released from international duty immediately, will not have improved Alonso’s mood. Huijsen missed La Roja’s 4-0 win over Georgia on Saturday, complaining of muscle discomfort, and he headed straight back to Madrid.
The centre-back has impressed at the Santiago Bernabeu, since his summer switch from Bournemouth, but he has struggled with injury, only returning from his most recent setback late in October. The 20-year old has made ten appearances for Los Blancos and Alonso would dearly like him to be fit for action after the international break, but at the moment Huijsen is in the physio room.
Elsewhere on the international stage there was better news, of sorts, for another of Los Blancos’ young guns, as Jude Bellingham returned to action for England as the Three Lions beat Albania. But the attacking midfielder was not best pleased when he was hooked late in the game after a patchy performance in a comfortable victory.
He has struggled with form and fitness at times, but Bellingham has been back to his best for Real Madrid in recent weeks and Alonso will hope his mixed night in Albania is not a sign of things to come.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
