Despite the pandemic causing the season’s postponement for a couple of months, nothing but the champion of the La Liga changed – and not too much. Real Madrid took their third title in ten years, after Barcelona had two straight and six overall, with 2013/2014 Atletico Madrid the only disturbance in the force of the duopoly. Real used the break in their advantage and came out fighting, winning all but the last (and meaningless) games after the return. Eventually only one win and five points separated Real from Barcelona, who struggled mightily after the break, losing to the likes of Osasuna.
While Real Madrid was not the offensive juggernaut they’ve been in some other seasons, their stalwart defense led the charge this time. Real only allowed 25 goals in the whole campaign, even less than their local rivals Atletico, infamous of their defensive soundness. Real Madrid did, however, score aplenty as well, their 70 goals being the second most in the league after Barcelona with 86. Karim Benzema found the net 21 times, finishing second in the scoring race after Leo Messi with 25. Intriguingly the second best scorer for Real was, who else but Sergio Ramos, with 11 goals to his name. Ramos was especially on fire after the break, scoring six goal in the remaining 11 games, even if sitting out suspended for one game.
No surprises can be found after the top duo either. Atletico Madrid and Sevilla fought for the third and fourth place, Atletico taking the spoils in that battle. Both teams are heading to the Champions League for the 2020/2021 season. Villarreal and Real Sociedad paved their way to the Europa League, while Granada fought off the challenge by Getafe and Valencia taking the seventh spot and entering the qualifying phase for the Europa League. At the bottom, Leganes, Mallorca and Espanyol are headed to the Segunda, much like had been anticipated.
Still undecided is the Copa del Rey final, which is to be played between the Basque clubs Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. The clubs refused to play without the fans present and due to the government restrictions, that is unlikely to happen any time soon.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid continue their journey in the Champions League 2019/2020, commencing on 7th of August.
