La Liga is the premier division tournament in Spanish football.

Founded in 1929, the La Liga is competed by 20 teams with the three lowest placed teams being relegated to the Segunda Division at the end of every season. The three relegated teams are replaced by two top-placed teams in Segunda Division and a play-off winner in the second division league.

Meanwhile, the top-four placed teams in La Liga directly qualify for the UEFA Champions League every season.

Since the inception of La Liga, as many as 62 teams have contested in the La Liga. Interestingly, there have been only nine different winners of the top-tier league of Spanish football.

Between 1936 and 1939, La Liga was cancelled due to the Spanish civil war.

Real Madrid hold the record for winning the most consecutive titles in La Liga. The Los Blancos won five consecutive La Liga titles from 1960 to 1965 before again repeating the feat from 1985 to 1990.

Who won the first La Liga?

FC Barcelona won the inaugural edition of La Liga in 1929. The inaugural edition of La Liga was a 10-team affair. The Blaugrana bagged the title after beating Real Union in the final round of the Liga. Barcelona secured 25 points from 18 matches, two points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Since then, the Catalan giants have won the title on 27 occasions.

Who has won the most La Liga titles?

Real Madrid are the most decorated team in La Liga, having won the title a record 36 times. The Los Blancos are also the reigning champions of La Liga, having clinched the 2023-24 edition of the league.

La Liga winners List

2023�?024: Real Madrid

2022-23: FC Barcelona

2021�?022: Real Madrid

2020�?021: Atlético Madrid

2019�?020: Real Madrid

2018�?019: FC Barcelona

2017�?018:  FC Barcelona

2016�?017: Real Madrid

2015�?016: FC Barcelona

2014�?015: FC Barcelona

2013�?014: Atlético Madrid

2012�?013: FC Barcelona

2011�?012: Real Madrid

2010�?011: FC Barcelona

2009�?010: FC Barcelona

2008�?009: FC Barcelona

2007�?008: Real Madrid

2006�?007: Real Madrid

2005�?006: FC Barcelona

2004�?005: FC Barcelona

2003�?004: Valencia

2002�?003: Real Madrid

2001�?002: Valencia

2000�?001: Real Madrid

1999�?000: Deportivo La Coruña

1998�?999: FC Barcelona

1997�?998: FC Barcelona

1996�?997: Real Madrid

1995�?996: Atlético Madrid

1994�?995: Real Madrid

1993�?994: FC Barcelona

1992�?993: FC Barcelona

1991�?992: FC Barcelona

1990�?991: FC Barcelona

1989�?990: Real Madrid

1988�?989: Real Madrid

1987�?988: Real Madrid

1986�?987: Real Madrid

1985�?986: Real Madrid

1984�?985: FC Barcelona

1983�?984: Athletic Bilbao

1982�?983: Athletic Bilbao

1981�?982: Real Sociedad

1980�?981: Real Sociedad

1979�?980: Real Madrid

1978�?979: Real Madrid

1977�?978: Real Madrid

1976�?977: Atlético Madrid

1975�?976: Real Madrid

1974�?975: Real Madrid

1973�?974: FC Barcelona

1972�?973: Atlético Madrid

1971�?972: Real Madrid

1970�?971: Valencia

1969�?970: Atlético Madrid

1968�?969: Real Madrid

1967�?968: Real Madrid

1966�?967: Real Madrid

1965�?966: Atlético Madrid

1964�?965: Real Madrid

1963�?964: Real Madrid

1962�?963: Real Madrid

1961�?962: Real Madrid

1960�?961: Real Madrid

1959�?960: FC Barcelona

1958�?959: FC Barcelona

1957�?958: Real Madrid

1956�?957: Real Madrid

1955�?956: Athletic Bilbao

1954�?955: Real Madrid

1953�?954: Real Madrid

1952�?953: FC Barcelona

1951�?952: FC Barcelona

1950�?951: Atlético Madrid

1949�?950: Atlético Madrid

1948�?949: FC Barcelona

1947�?948: FC Barcelona

1946�?947: Valencia

1945�?946: Sevilla

1944-1945: FC Barcelona

1943-1944: Valencia

1942-1943: Athletic Bilbao

1941-1942: Valencia

1940-1941: Atlético Madrid

1939-1940: Atlético Madrid

1935�?936: Athletic Bilbao

1934�?935: Real Betis

1933�?934: Athletic Bilbao

1932�?933: Real Madrid

1931�?932: Real Madrid

1930�?931: Athletic Bilbao

1929�?930: Athletic Bilbao

1929: FC Barcelona

Featured photo: Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

Supercopa de Espana or Spanish Super Cup is a super cup tournament in Spanish football.  

Since the inception of the Supercopa de Espana in 1982, the club competition has been held annually, organised by the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

The Spanish Super Cup was founded as a two-team competition played between the winners of the La Liga and Copa del Rey.

Real Sociedad won the first edition of the Supercopa de Espana after beating Real Madrid 4-1 in a two-legged final.

Except for the 1983, 1988 and 1992 tournaments, the first leg match was played at the cup winner's stadium.

In 2018, the Supercopa was played for the first time as a single match hosted at a neutral venue.

From the 2019-20 season, the Supercopa was expanded to four teams which included the winners and runners-up of the Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Real Madrid are the defending champions of the Spanish Super Cup after defeating arch-rivals Barcelona 4-1 in the 2023-24 final.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are the most successful team in the competition with 14 titles, closely followed by Madrid who have clinched the trophy on 13 occasions. Get Spanish Super Cup winners list.

Spanish Super Cup winners list: Know all Supercopa de Espana champions

Year	Winner	Runner-up
1982	Real Sociedad	Real Madrid
1983	Barcelona	Athletic Bilbao
1984	Athletic Bilbao	-
1985	Atletico Madrid	Barcelona
1986	Real Madrid and Zaragoza did not play
1987	Real Madrid and Real Sociedad did not play
1988	Real Madrid	Barcelona
1989	Real Madrid	-
1990	Real Madrid	Barcelona
1991	Real Madrid	Atletico Madrid
1992	Barcelona	Atletico Madrid
1993	Real Madrid	Barcelona
1994	Barcelona	Zaragoza
1995	Deportivo La Coruna	Real Madrid
1996	Barcelona	Atletico Madrid
1997	Real Madrid	Barcelona
1998	Mallorca	Barcelona
1999	Valencia	Barcelona
2000	Deportivo La Coruna	Espanyol
2001	Real Madrid	Zaragoza
2002	Deportivo La Coruna	Valencia
2003	Real Madrid	Mallorca
2004	Mallorca	Valencia
2005	Barcelona	Real Betis
2006	Barcelona	Espanyol
2007	Sevilla	Real Madrid
2008	Real Madrid	Valencia
2009	Barcelona	Athletic Bilbao
2010	Barcelona	Sevilla
2011	Barcelona	Real Madrid
2012	Real Madrid	Barcelona
2013	Barcelona	Atletico Madrid
2014	Atletico Madrid	Real Madrid
2015	Athletic Bilbao	Barcelona
2016	Barcelona	Sevilla
2017	Real Madrid	Barcelona
2018	Barcelona	Sevilla
2019-20	Real Madrid	Atletico Madrid
2020-21	Athletic Bilbao	Barcelona
2021-22	Real Madrid	Athletic Bilbao
2022-23	Barcelona	Real Madrid
2023-24	Real Madrid	Barcelona

Most successful teams in Supercopa: Titles won by each club

Team	Titles	Winning years
Barcelona	14	1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2022-23
Real Madrid	13	1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2008, 2012, 2017, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24
Athletic Bilbao	3	1984, 2015, 2020-21
Deportivo La Coruna	3	1995, 2000, 2002
Atlético Madrid	2	1985, 2014
Valencia	1	1999
Sevilla	1	2007
Zaragoza	1	2004
Mallorca	1	1998
Real Sociedad	1	1982

Photo credit: Alamy

The La Liga 2022-23 season will kick off in the early hours of Saturday, August 13, in India, as Osasuna will host Sevilla at El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona, Spain.

Reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid will open their proceedings with an away fixture against newly-promoted Almeria at Estadio Mediterráneo in the wee hours of Monday, August 15.

Madrid’s arch-rivals FC Barcelona will host Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou in their opening match of the La Liga 2022-23 season.

On the other hand, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid will travel to face Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Monday.

Other newly promoted sides Real Valladolid and Girona will start their La Liga 2022-23 campaign against well-established top division teams Villarreal and Valencia, respectively. 

Since the FIFA World Cup 2022 is scheduled to be played in Qatar later this year, there will be no top-flight games for six weeks starting from November 10. The league will resume once again on December 31. The fixtures have been adjusted to accommodate the FIFA World Cup which starts on November 21.

FIFA has already informed all teams that the players should be released on November 14 for the World Cup. 

Having clinched a record 35th La Liga title last season, Real Madrid will start as favourites to retain their crown.

Barcelona, who have also strengthened their squad by acquiring the services of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, will look to reclaim the La Liga title this season.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla will start as dark horses to claim the coveted title this term.

The 92nd edition of the La Liga will conclude on June 4, 2023.

La Liga 2022-23 Matchweek 1 schedule and live India match times

All timings are in India Standard Time (IST)

Saturday, August 13

Osasuna vs Sevilla - 12:30 AM IST

Celta Vigo vs Espanyol - 8:30 PM IST

Valladolid vs Villarreal - 10:30 PM IST

Sunday, August 14

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano - 12:30 AM IST

Cadiz vs Real Sociedad - 9:00 PM IST

Valencia vs Girona - 11:00 PM IST

Monday, August 15

Almeria vs Real Madrid - 1:30 AM IST

Athletic Club vs Mallorca - 9:00 PM IST

Getafe vs Atletico Madrid - 11:00 PM IST

Tuesday, August 16

Real Betis vs Elche - 1:00 AM IST

Where to watch La Liga 2022-23 season live in India?

Live streaming of the La Liga 2022-23 season will be available on Voot Select and JioTV.

Select matches of the La Liga 2022-23 season will be telecast live on MTV and MTV HD TV channels in India.

SportsAdda will bring you La Liga 2022-23 live scores.

Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates from the world of sports!

Interested in football betting? Click here to check out the list of top sites.

Featured photo: Frederic J. BROWN / AFP

Real Betis will take on Valencia in the Copa del Rey 2021-22 final at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain in the wee hours of Sunday, April 24. The match will kick off at 1:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).

While Real Betis defeated Rayo Vallecano 3-2 on aggregate in their semi-final clash in the Copa del Rey, Valencia pipped Athletic Club 2-1 on aggregate in the other semi-final to book their place in the summit clash.

FC Barcelona are the defending champions of the Copa del Rey, having thrashed Athletic Club 4-0 in the final last season.

Real Betis vs Valencia odds for Copa del Rey final 2021-22

Real Betis: 2.02

Valencia: 3.80

Draw: 3.30

Click here to check football betting tips.

Note: Odds are subject to change.

Real Betis vs Valencia recent form

Real Betis will look to bounce back after being stunned 0-1 by Elche in their previous outing in the La Liga. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have been inconsistent in their last five matches, registering two wins, two draws and one defeat.

Similarly, Valencia suffered a 0-2 defeat against Villareal in the previous encounter in the La Liga on Wednesday. Under manager José Bordalás, Valencia are winless in their last four matches in the Spanish top-tier league.

Real Betis: L, D, W, W, D

Valencia: L, L, D, D, W

Real Betis vs Valencia head-to-head

Valencia have a superior head-to-head record against Real Betis, winning 27 of the 51 matches that they have played so far. Real Betis have secured just 13 victories while 11 matches have ended in draws.

However, Real Betis have recently dominated Valencia, securing 11 wins in 26 matches.

The last time these two sides met, Real Betis thrashed Valencia 4-1 in La Liga 2021-22 in October.

Real Betis vs Valencia prediction for Copa Del Rey final 2021-22 

Going by current form and recent head-to-head record, Real Betis will start as favourites against Valencia on Sunday. 

Hence, Real Betis have the odds in their favour to claim their third Copa del Rey crown.

Featured photo: JOSE JORDAN / AFP

The absenteeism of Leroy Sane for the majority of the 2019/20 season owing to the injury that he suffered in the 2019 Community Shield match against Liverpool left a huge hole in Manchester City’s attack.

The German winger was keen on leaving Manchester last season, but his long-term injury delayed his transfer, however, this past month, he finally got his wish as eight-time reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich signed him for 60 million.

With Sane gone permanently, Pep Guardiola was keen on adding another winger to his ranks and he turned to Valencia youngster, Ferran Torres. City took full advantage of the discourse at the Spanish club, where owner Peter Lim decided to put the entire squad on the transfer list, and managed to sign the Spanish winger for a mere 25 million. 

Here we go! We’re delighted to announce the signing of @FerranTorres20 from Valencia on a five-year deal ✍️

#ManCity | http://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/hzCbdoRsxL

�?Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2020

Guardiola may have scored a discount while acquiring the young winger, but will he be able to milk the same production out of the 20-year-old that he managed out of Sane? We assess:

Quick, ambidextrous, and direct

The surge in the use of the inverted forward has diminished the role of a traditional winger, however, Torres is one of the few who still operates effectively in that role. 

Ferran Torres from Valencia to Manchester City, here we go! Paperworks time and total agreement reached today for �?7M (with add ons). Ferran will sign his contract until June 2025 as new Citizens player. #MCFC #ManCity #transfers

More details http://t.co/LfjT3SVsoe

�?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2020

The right-footed winger plays on the right-wing and has tremendous acceleration and a great sense of timing on when to beat his man. Despite primarily being a right-footed player, Ferran is extremely good with his left as showcased by his tremendous finish against Granada.

Torres is very direct with the ball at his feet and loves taking on defenders in a foot race. His sharp turns leave fullbacks tackling air and his acceleration make it impossible to catch him on the counter. Torres attempted 94 dribbles in 34 games in La Liga this past season and completed over half of them, showcasing his bravery with the ball at his feet.

• Why are Manchester City interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake?

A key attribute of his play is latching on to through balls from midfield. Torres is excellent at timing his runs behind the defensive line and capitalizing on through balls. This is particularly important, as City, who boast of perhaps the best passer in football in Kevin De Bruyne, could use Torres to blitz past low-blocks and find space behind the defensive line to either square a ball in the middle to one of his teammates or just attempt a shot at goal. 

Ferran Torres for Valencia in LaLiga this season:

�?Most take-ons completed (54)
�?Second-most Big Chance Created (9)
�?Third-most chances created (25)

20 years-old with a bright future ahead of him. �?pic.twitter.com/VLmtSZ5M4r

�?Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 29, 2020

At just 20, Torres is still raw. At City, the youngster will have to compete with Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva for game time in his preferred right-wing position and it seems that Guardiola decided to bring the youngster on board with an eye towards the future rather than expecting the youngster to set the stage on fire.

Like with Phil Foden, Guardiola has already showcased that he is willing to leave out a talented player on the bench for a season or two before he believes they are well-versed with his tactical demands and can deliver what he expects on the football field.

For City, there is reason to be excited by this signing, but also need to exercise when setting expectations from the young Spanish winger. Torres is a shrewd acquisition and one for the future and while he isn’t a direct replacement for Leroy Sane, the youngster is certainly capable of becoming a fan favourite in the coming years at the Etihad Stadium.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jose Jordan

Manchester City have announced the signing of Valencia winger Ferran Torres on a five-year deal as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his attacking options.

The 20-year-old Spaniard, City's first signing of the summer transfer window, has penned a five-year contract for a reported initial fee of £20.9 million ($27 million).

"I am so happy to be joining City," Torres told the Premier League club's website. "Every player wants to be involved in attacking teams and Manchester City are one of the most attacking in world football.

Here we go! We’re delighted to announce the signing of @FerranTorres20 from Valencia on a five-year deal ✍️

#ManCity | http://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/hzCbdoRsxL

�?Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2020

"Pep encourages a really open, aggressive style, which I love, and he is a manager with a proven track record of improving players. To have him overseeing my development is a dream."

• Profiling Manchester City’s latest signing, Valencia’s Ferran Torres

Guardiola is keen to strengthen his squad following the loss of their Premier League title to Liverpool -- they have also agreed a £41 million fee for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.

"We have followed Ferran's progress closely and have been very impressed," said City director of football Txiki Begiristain.

"He is young and still developing, but his technical qualities are exactly what we are looking for in a winger. He is quick, direct, can create space with one movement and is capable of producing match-winning moments."

Torres can play on either wing and operate through the middle, with pace and an ability to beat players his main attributes.

• Why are Manchester City interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake?

He made 44 appearances for Valencia last season, scoring six goals.

Valencia tweeted: "You arrived at our Academy at 7 years old. We have been by your side through all this time seeing you grow as a footballer and as a person. At this point you have decided to separate our paths. @FerranTorres20, we wish you the best with @ManCity."

Two-time defending champions City finished 18 points behind Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who were crowned champions in June after a three-month hiatus due to the pandemic.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jose Jordan

Real Madrid's 34th La Liga title owed much to their old-guard but Spanish football has witnessed a number of new players exploding onto the scene.

Here, we take a look at five revelations to come out of the season.

1. Martin Odegaard, Real Sociedad 

Real Sociedad have had many success stories this season, with Alexander Isak, Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal all helping to put them within sight of the top four. 

But Odegaard was the architect of their surge, delivering performances of such consistent quality that many believed Real Madrid might recall him early from his two-year loan. 

Martin Ødegaard's assist against Alavés this season is still stunning. Perfection.pic.twitter.com/ud6hVtaiSK

�?Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) April 18, 2020

Four goals and five assists hardly does justice to the 21-year-old's contribution. When Real Sociedad were playing well, he was at the heart of everything and it was no coincidence their late dip coincided with Odegaard's suffering from tendinitis. 

Half a decade after Madrid made him a world sensation aged 16, Odegaard is coming good. 

2. Lucas Ocampos, Sevilla 

After hopping around five clubs in seven years, Ocampos appears finally to have found his feet. 

The 25-year-old is not only Sevilla's top scorer, he is in the top five in La Liga, with 14 goals in 32 games. 

Sevilla signed Ocampos from Marseille and they got a gem because Ocampos has been one of the players of the season, with his running, power, and energy helping Sevilla secure a place in the top four. 

With a thundering shot and a feisty attitude, the Argentinian has been a fans' favourite from the start. 

Ocampos has already been linked with another move but with Sevilla in the Champions League, he might finally decide to stay put. 

3. Fede Valverde, Real Madrid 

Valverde was quieter after the three-month break seemingly took the edge off his fitness but he was the catalyst for Madrid's recovery early in the season and a pivotal run in the middle. 

That 21-match unbeaten streak put Madrid in contention for the title when Valverde was perhaps the team's most important player. 

Fede Valverde - The perfect midfielder pic.twitter.com/9JWmOCH5H0

�?Esteban (@PrimeValverde) April 2, 2020

He injected energy and dynamism into a midfield that had become too one-paced and brought a directness that made Madrid's attack less predictable. 

When Madrid failed to deliver Paul Pogba last summer, many thought Zinedine Zidane had been left short. To his relief, Valverde stepped up. 

4. Ansu Fati, Barcelona 

It is 11 months since Fati burst onto the scene by becoming the third-youngest player to score in La Liga, before sending Spanish football into meltdown by scoring again, 111 seconds into his first start for Barcelona. 

At 16 years and 304 days old, he was Barca's youngest ever scorer but it was not just the records that impressed. He dribbled, shot, nutmegged opponents and took risks. 

Messi's 21st assist in LaLiga .
Another record in his name ..

Brilliant finish from Ansu Fati pic.twitter.com/0pOzgIcWjM

�?Sports Freak (@OfficialSfreak) July 19, 2020

"We have to take this kid very seriously," warned Madrid's Marca while El Mundo declared: "A star is born". 

Eight goals, three since the restart, and 25 league appearances is a remarkable return for a now-17-year-old, with a hugely exciting future. 

5. Ferran Torres, Valencia 

Torres made his La Liga debut in January 2018 but this has been a breakthrough campaign for one of Spain's brightest young talents. 

Lightning quick and with an end-product to match, Torres has long been attracting the interest of Europe's top clubs, which could result in a move unless he extends his current contract beyond next year. 

• Read | Five Jadon Sancho replacements Manchester United should consider

His performances this season have done little to dampen enthusiasm around the 20-year-old, who has hit six goals in 43 games, including two in the Champions League. 

With Valencia missing out on Champions League qualification and the club again looking for a new coach, Torres appears to feel his future lies elsewhere. There will be no shortage of suitors. 

The global pandemic deprived football fans of the beautiful game for almost two months, but with the threat of the disease gradually starting to ease off, fans are once again getting to revel in watching their favourite stars jostle on the field again. With the German Bundesliga entering their seventh gameweek since the resumption of the sport, and the English Premier League returning with a banger of a game (Manchester City vs Arsenal), fans can expect goals galore across Europe.

Meanwhile, the likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haland will look to seal the second spot in the Bundesliga, with Bayern Munich a win away from sealing yet another successful campaign. On the note, let’s look at five players to keep a tab on Nostragamus fantasy for the upcoming gameweek:

Erling Haland

Team: Borussia Dortmund

Match: Borussia Dortmund vs FSV Mainz 05

While Bayern Munich inched closer to sealing another Bundesliga trophy, Lucien Favre’s Borussia Dortmund rallied on to seal another victory courtesy of their 19-year-old January signing Erling Haland. The young striker came off the bench to score the injury-time winner and will be looking to grab more goals against a struggling Mainz side, who have just one win since the resumption of the league in mid-May.

Haaland will look to add to his 11 goals in 12 appearances to help his side consolidate their second position on the league table at the expense of the relegation-threatened Mainz on Thursday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Team: Arsenal

Match: Manchester City vs Arsenal

The much-awaited return of the English Premier League will see two powerhouses in the form of Manchester City and Arsenal lock horns. Making the affair spicier is the return of Mikel Arteta to the Etihad, where he spent more than three seasons as assistant coach to Pep Guardiola.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a woeful record against the citizens, after failing to score against them even once over four appearances. However, the joint-Golden Boot winner for the 2018-19 season has been in fine form this season as well, scoring 17 goals in 26 appearances, just two behind Jamie Vardy. The African striker will be looking to add more goals to his tally in this titled clash.

Sergio Ramos

Team: Real Madrid

Match: Real Madrid vs Valencia

After beating Eibar in their previous fixture, Real Madrid will fight it out with Valencia in a battle of supremacy in the La Liga. With Barcelona hot on their heels, Real Madrid will be looking to go on top of the table while praying that their arch-rivals Barcelona lose against Leganes.

Sergio Ramos will be key against Valencia and will hope to help the in-form Thibaut Courtois keep another clean sheet against Valencia. Los Blancos needed the talismanic Karim Benzema to equalise against the same opponents away from home back in December of last year, and Ramos will look to quell the strike force of Goncalo Guedes and Moreno Rodrigo.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Team: Liverpool

Match: Liverpool vs Everton

Liverpool fans will be most excited about the resumption of the Premier League, with the side standing a chance to win their first Premier League title with just three wins. Fans of the club will hope that the Reds will be able to continue their red-hot form against rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Everton themselves have seen an upsurge of form under their new manager Carlo Ancelotti, but Liverpool will look to increase the gap between themselves and the other Premier League teams, a difference which currently lies at 25 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. Moreover, the likes of Mohamad Salah, Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be looking to shut their critics with a solid performance at the Anfield.

Lionel Messi

Team: Barcelona

Match: Barcelona vs Leganes

Barcelona began their campaign after the return of the league with a thumping win over 18th-placed Mallorca. Sitting four points above rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona are currently on top of the La Liga table, with manager Quique Setien having enough time to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of his team during the forced break.

This was mirrored during their 4-0 drubbing of Mallorca, with Arturo Vidal, Martin Braithwaite and Jordi Alba scoring goals, and the talismanic Lionel Messi adding the fourth one during injury time. Barcelona will be looking to consolidate their position on top of the La Liga table, and Lionel Messi’s performances will be key to their form in the final fixture of the La Liga. Moreover, the Blaugrana will be looking for a favourable outcome when Real Madrid take on Valencia in order to stake their claim for a consecutive La Liga title.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oscar Del Pozo

Ten-man Levante scored a 98th-minute penalty on Friday to snatch a 1-1 draw against Valencia as La Liga completed its second day of fixtures since its return from suspension. 

It was a miserable night for the league's top-four hopefuls as Granada also came from behind to beat Getafe 2-1, meaning Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad have the chance to capitalise on Sunday. 

Valencia looked to have grabbed a later winner themselves at an empty Mestalla when Rodrigo Moreno diverted in at the near post in the 89th minute. 

But Mouctar Diakhaby pulled down Ruben Vezo deep into injury-time and Gonzalo Melero made no mistake, equalising for Levante from the spot. 

The visitors also had Roger Marti sent off for a second yellow card in the 74th minute. 

Granada, also playing behind closed doors at Los Carmenes, scored in the 70th and 79th minutes as a Djene Dakonam own-goal and Carlos Fernandez's finish wiped out Getafe's lead, given to them in the first half by David Timor.  

Defeat means Getafe stay fifth, handing Atletico the chance to overtake them if they can win away at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. 

Valencia remain seventh, three points of adrift of Real Sociedad, who are at home on Sunday to Osasuna. 

Granada, who were only promoted last season, move up to eighth, with the Europa League places now in sight while Levante edge up to 12th.  

La Liga became the second of Europe's five major leagues after the German Bundesliga to resume on Thursday, when Sevilla overcame Real Betis 2-0 in the division's first match since March 10.  

League leaders Barcelona play away at Real Mallorca on Saturday before Real Madrid, two points behind in second, return at home to Eibar on Sunday.  

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jose Jordan

Rafael Benitez has had a long career in elite football management. The Spaniard has been active since 1995, when he took up the reins at Real Valladolid, after stints with the Real Madrid B team. Spells at Osasuna, Extremadura and Tenerife followed, but it wasn’t until he came to Valencia in 2001 that Rafa tasted success.

Having led Los Che to the La Liga title in his debut season, Benitez also fired Valencia to another league title in 2003/04, along with the UEFA Cup. And then, Liverpool came calling. That night in Istanbul when Liverpool pulled off the impossible to win the Champions League, in his very first season, will go down as perhaps the best moment in his long career. 

Although he spent six years at Anfield, that and an FA Cup were the only major trophies he would go on to win. Short but pretty successful stints at Inter Milan and Chelsea followed, before he took over at Napoli and helped establish them as a genuine threat to Juventus�?domination in Italy. 

Read | Ultimate XI of players coached by Jurgen Klopp

A sorry stint at Real Madrid was then in store for the Spaniard, who then took up the reins of a sinking ship at Newcastle United. He eventually underwent a relegation with the Magpies and then helped them to promotion immediately after. The 59-year-old did a fine job at the St. James�?Park before leaving last summer and is currently at Chinese Super League club Dalian Pro.

In a career that has lasted over two decades, Benitez has worked with some fine players along the way. But who makes it to the best XI of footballers that were coached by the bespectacled Spaniard?

GK: Santiago Canizares (Valencia)

Pepe Reina was an ever-present at Liverpool under Benitez, but it is Santiago Canizares that gets the nod here because of the role he played in Valencia’s rise to the top and a trophy-laden spell under Benitez. The Spaniard made 128 appearances during the pair’s time at Mestalla, captained a few matches among those as well, keeping 58 clean sheets along the way. 

RB: Curro Torres (Valencia)

Honourable mentions for Steve Finnan who was part of the Champions League triumph at Liverpool and Alvaro Arbeloa, who played under Benitez at both Liverpool and Real Madrid. But it is another Valencia man, Curro Torres, who is picked at right-back. The pair worked together first at Tenerife, where Rafa brought him on loan, before joining hands at Valencia again. 

Torres would grow into a key member of Benitez’s side at Mestalla, essaying an important role in Los Che’s two La Liga title triumphs and the UEFA Cup as well. In total, across his stints at Tenerife and Valencia, Torres featured for 143 times under Benitez.

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CB: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

The most frequently used player by Rafa in his managerial career, it was only after the Spaniard’s arrival that Carragher grew into one of the most formidable defenders in England. The Liverpool academy man was an ever-present in the lineup, including that memorable night in Istanbul. The former England international made 326 appearances for the Reds during Benitez’s tenure at Anfield, chipping in with a couple of goals as well.

CB: Sami Hyypia (Liverpool)

Jamie Carragher’s partner in crime at Liverpool, the Finnish centre-half is a legend at Anfield and the stint under Benitez played a part in him achieving that status among the Kopites. Hyypia made over 450 appearances for the Reds, 200 of which came during Benitez’s spell at Anfield, scoring 14 goals along the way. 

LB: John Arne Riise (Liverpool)

Another key member of the Liverpool backline under Benitez, the Norwegian was well-known for his attacking runs, powerful shots, dangerous crosses and some spectacular goals than defensive work. John Arne Riise made 201 appearances for the Reds under Rafa, scoring 17 goals and setting up 12 more. Benitez would get a chance to work with another top-class attacking left-back in Marcelo at Real Madrid, but the partnership lasted for hardly six months.

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CM: Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) 

The linchpin of the Liverpool midfield under Rafa, Xabi Alonso grew into one of the best deep-lying playmakers during his time at Anfield under the tutelage of his compatriot. The Spaniard was an unknown quantity outside of Spain but all that changed after his arrival at Liverpool. 

Alonso played an integral role in the success that the Reds enjoyed under Benitez, scoring in 2005 UCL final as well as making important contributions to their FA Cup success a few years later. During the pair’s time together in England, Alonso made 210 appearances, scoring 18 goals and setting up ten more.

CM: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the game during his prime, Gerrard played some of his finest football during the Benitez era at Anfield. It was Stevie G who was the Liverpool captain against Milan in the 2005 UCL final, who kickstarted Liverpool’s comeback on the night, scoring a crucial goal and was named Man of the Match.

Gerrard played in 292 of 350 matches Benitez was in charge at Anfield, scoring 104 goals and setting up 64 more, cementing his legacy in the history of Liverpool and football as one of the best ever.

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RW: Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)

One of the most underrated and hard-working players to have plied their trade at Anfield, Dirk Kuyt doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. Having arrived as a centre-forward, the Dutchman remodelled his game into a winger, to accommodate a certain Fernando Torres in the side and did a fine job at it.

Having signed by Benitez himself in 2006, Kuyt went on to feature 200 times under the Spaniard, bagging 51 goals and setting up 30 more, and continued to perform strongly for a few more years after Benitez had moved on from Anfield.

CAM: Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Pablo Aimar, Wesley Sneijder, Frank Lampard are few of the elite attacking midfielders that Benitez has worked with in his career. While the latter two played only a handful of matches under Rafa, Aimar’s exclusion was difficult, considering his relatively longer association with Benitez at Valencia. But it is Juan Mata who gets the nod as the No.10.

During Benitez’s short stint at Chelsea, Mata was one of the best players for the Blues. In fact, the Spaniard missed only three of the 48 matches Benitez was in charge of the West Londoners. During this stint, Mata scored 12 goals and assisted 25 more �?two of which came in the finals of the UEFA Europa League which Chelsea won. Mata was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year for that season.

LW: Dries Mertens (Napoli)

While he may be playing in a more central role now, Dries Mertens was deployed on the left flank for most of Rafa’s tenure at Napoli, from where he played a key role in the Partenopei’s rise to prominence in Italy. The Belgian international played in 98 of the 112 matches Benitez managed at Napoli, producing a return of 23 goals and 24 assists, one of which came in the 2013/14 Coppa Italia final which was Rafa’s only trophy during his time at Napoli.

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ST: Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Gonzalo Higuain was a strong contender given his impact upon arrival at Napoli, but there’s no way anyone can pick a Benitez Best XI without Fernando Torres in the side. The Spaniard was brought to the English shores by Benitez in 2007 and would go onto become one of the most lethal marksmen in the Premier League at the time.

Torres enjoyed three impactful seasons at Liverpool under Benitez, scoring 72 goals in 116 games. While they did not win any trophy together at Anfield, that would change when the pair reunited at Chelsea, as Torres scored 15 goals in 44 matches, as the Blues won the Europa League in 12/13.