All eyes on Mbappé as Real Madrid, Barcelona begin La Liga title race

Kylian Mbappé’s highly anticipated debut in La Liga is the biggest talking point as the 2024/2025 season kicks off with a bang. The French superstar, fresh from a brilliant performance in the UEFA Super Cup, where he scored and lifted the trophy, is ready to make his mark on Spanish football.

As Real Madrid and Barcelona resume their intense rivalry, all eyes will be on the dynamic forward’s impact.

READ MORE: Mbappe bolsters stellar Real Madrid’s La Liga title defence

The season officially began on Thursday with Athletic Bilbao and Getafe playing out a 1-1 draw, broadcast on StarTimes. However, the real excitement lies in the weekend’s fixtures, with Barcelona travelling to face Valencia on Saturday, while Real Madrid prepare for a showdown with Mallorca on Sunday.

Fans can watch every La Liga match live on StarTimes Sports Premium channel or stream on the StarTimes-ON app for just N600 weekly.

Real Madrid’s hopes are riding high, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s sensational debut season, which saw him score 19 goals and help the club to La Liga and Champions League triumphs. But the arrival of Mbappé brings new challenges and opportunities. Coach Carlo Ancelotti must find a way to integrate the French forward into an already potent lineup, aiming to build a team that can dominate both domestically and in Europe.

READ MORE: Five key talking points as La Liga kicks off

On the other side of the rivalry, Barcelona are eager to reclaim the La Liga crown from their Madrid counterparts.

The Catalan giants have strengthened their squad with new signings and are looking to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose talent is turning heads at just 17 years old. While veteran striker Robert Lewandowski remains crucial, the club knows it must diversify its attacking threats to mount a serious title challenge.

Yet, this season’s La Liga race is far from a two-horse competition. Atletico Madrid and last season’s surprise package, Girona, are poised to disrupt the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

READ MORE: La Liga: Anticipation builds as kickoff approaches

Meanwhile, Nigerian players are shining on the Spanish stage. Cristantus Uche found the back of the net for Getafe in their draw against Bilbao, while Kelechi Iheanacho, Sevilla’s latest acquisition, is expected to make an impact this season.

With StarTimes’ affordable coverage, allowing fans to enjoy all the action for as little as N600 weekly, and the influx of top talent, La Liga’s global appeal is reaching new heights. As Mbappé embarks on his journey in Spain, the 2024/2025 season promises drama, excitement, and fierce competition from start to finish.