Can Real Madrid stop Barcelona from retaining La Liga title?

Barcelona have made a spectacular start to the La Liga campaign, winning all seven games to open a healthy lead at the top of the table.

They are the only team to maintain a perfect record in the Spanish top-flight, scoring 31 goals and conceding just seven. 

The Blaugrana’s latest victory came at Sevilla, where Raphinha scored a sensational hat-trick to lead them to a comfortable 3-1 victory. 

The question on everyone’s mind is whether anyone can stop Barcelona from retaining the La Liga title. 

They are formidable in attack, with Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon in their ranks. 

The summer signing of Rodri has strengthened their midfield options. Their defence is not flawless, but they compensate for this further forward.

Madrid desperate to end Barcelona’s domestic dominance

Madrid have not won a trophy for the last two seasons.

Club president Florentino Perez has put Jose Mourinho in charge, and he has led the team to a promising start. 

Los Blancos have won five of their six games and are second in the league standings. 

Their only defeat came at Real Betis earlier this month when Troy Parrott scored a late winner. 

Mourinho’s side have subsequently defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League and claimed successive league wins over Rayo Vallecano and Elche. 

However, Madrid failed to control the game against Inter and were lucky to come away with all three points from Elche in midweek. 

Los Blancos were leading 2-0 against Elche at half-time, but allowed them back in the game by conceding two late goals. 

Carlos Espi’s stoppage-time goal spared their blushes.

Madrid’s title credentials will be tested on Sunday when they take on Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium. 

Atletico will enter Sunday’s fixture off the back of dominating victories against Real Sociedad and Osasuna. They will be a tough nut to crack.