It is Real Madrid’s year to shine in Primera Liga

With the summer signings of James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas and Toni Kroos, Madrid have absolute top quality cover in every position. That is why the Primera Liga title will return to Real Madrid for the first time since 2012.

James Rodríguez, centre, is one of the high-profile signings Real Madrid expects to deliver a Primera Liga title and Uefa Champions League success. Daniel Ochoa de Olza / AP Photo

The title will return to Real Madrid for the first time since 2012. The European champions have gradually got stronger under Carlo Ancelotti and while implosions are frequent at the Bernabeu, the Italian is a far more stable figure than Jose Mourinho, the man he replaced.

He is popular with players and, while no coach can ever be popular with egotistical club president Florentino Perez, Ancelotti is as good as Madrid will get – a fact they realised when Manchester United showed interest in April to replace David Moyes.

With the summer signings of James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas and Toni Kroos, Madrid have absolute top quality cover in every position. Cristiano Ronaldo is the World Player of the Year, the Colombian Rodriguez and the Welshmen Bale candidates to challenge Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Following the recent European Super Cup win against Sevilla in Cardiff, Madrid are aiming to win six trophies in 2014/15 – everything except the Spanish league title. Barcelona will have a good season under Luis Enrique and push Madrid hard for the title. Enrique will do well and memories of an awful 2013/14 will begin to fade, but the chances of him excelling immediately are slim.

Atletico will not manage a repeat of last season. Diego Simeone’s side will stay closer to second than third and will remain a formidable opponent domestically and in Europe. Minnows Rayo Vallecano and Getafe will both stay up, with Getafe playing aggressive football under Cosmin Contra and Rayo displaying an attractive style with inconsistent results.

The big Basque pair – Bilbao and Sociedad – will struggle with their dual domestic and European campaigns, while their tiny neighbours, Eibar, will not stay up, sadly.

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