The 2026-2027 LaLiga EA Sports season has begun with intensity, and FC Barcelona has set the initial pace, leading the table with a perfect record of victories in their first seven or eight league encounters. In this high-stakes scenario, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid find themselves at different points in their journey, with clear strengths and areas demanding improvement to keep pace in the title race.
José Mourinho's Real Madrid: Offensive Talent with Question Marks
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Real Madrid, under José Mourinho's management, sits in fourth place in LaLiga. The team has demonstrated its usual offensive capability, scoring 18 goals in the opening rounds, with Jude Bellingham standing out as one of the league's top scorers. The Whites' strengths lie in their potent attack, their ability to create chances through individual quality and finishing, as well as their danger from set pieces and counter-attacks.
However, the team has shown certain weaknesses. The chemistry between their attacking stars, such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, has been highlighted as an area to refine, as they often occupy the same spaces or attempt to resolve plays individually. The midfield also presents challenges, with a perceived lack of a creative deep-lying playmaker since Toni Kroos's retirement in the summer of 2024, which has hindered game control and breaking down deep defences. Furthermore, defence on the flanks has been identified as a weakness. Injuries have affected Real Madrid's backline, adding pressure to the defensive department. The team has already suffered a 0-1 defeat against Real Betis on September 4th, and lost 1-2 in the Madrid derby against Atlético on September 20th.
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Diego Simeone's Atlético de Madrid: Growing Solidity and Balance
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's Atlético de Madrid has had a promising start, occupying second place in LaLiga with 16 points after seven matches played. The Rojiblancos have maintained their identity of defensive solidity and tactical discipline, fundamental characteristics of Simeone's style. The team's ability to switch between formations like 4-4-2 and 5-3-2 without losing its defensive principles is one of its virtues. Additionally, they have demonstrated remarkable efficiency on the counter-attack, one of their most lethal weapons.
Key players like Julián Álvarez in attack, Ademola Lookman providing speed and versatility, and the experience of Jan Oblak in goal, along with the progression of Pablo Barrios in midfield, are pillars in Simeone's system. Atlético has also shown improvement in its attacking balance, allowing them to generate more danger.
Nevertheless, Atlético faces significant challenges. Squad management and team depth will be crucial for maintaining consistency in a demanding schedule with multiple competitions. The departure of Antoine Griezmann, who left in the summer of 2026, also represents a significant change in the attacking dynamic. While the team is strong at home, their away performance and ability to keep clean sheets in matches outside the Metropolitano are aspects to consolidate.
The Race for the Top Spots
The season's start has highlighted the competition for the premium positions. Atlético de Madrid secured an important 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on September 20th, a result that added weight to the title conversation from the early rounds. While FC Barcelona pulls away at the top, both Real Madrid and Atlético will seek to close the gap. The upcoming Clásico, scheduled for October 25th, will be a stern test for Real Madrid, who need to regain ground after an inconsistent start. LaLiga is a marathon, and both teams' performances in this initial phase will lay the groundwork for their aspirations throughout the rest of the championship.