As Real Madrid and Barcelona retooled their rosters this transfer window, these two El Clasico giants are likely to dominate La Liga once again, which doesn’t bode well for the rest of the pack.
This means that teams like Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are going to have a harder time in contending for the domestic trophy, and the fact that some of their key players have departed this summer doesn’t help their La Liga 2022 odds.
Without further ado, we’re listing all clubs – including Atleti and Sevilla – who might disappoint their supporters if higher expectations are placed upon them next season.
Atletico Madrid
Atleti weren’t able to repeat last campaign because they were inconsistent all season long. Los Rojiblancos are primarily known for their stifling defence, but that wasn’t the case in 2021/22 as they’ve surrendered 43 goals last season – which was 18 more than their most recent title-winning year.
Centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez was too often missing in action last term, missing 13 matches through injury to make it 62 total across the last four seasons. The Uruguayan was once dubbed as the successor to former club icon Diego Godin for good reason, so his absence was surely felt at the back.
Los Rojiblancos are hoping that the 27-year-old will stay healthy this time, although they’d be better off if they bolster their defencive depth rather than hoping for the best.
So far, Atletico Madrid have done little to address such need since they only have the additions of Axel Witsel and Samuel Lino to show for it, and they’ve also lost some depth up front with the departures of Hector Herrera and Luis Suarez – who was their second leading scorer last campaign behind Angel Correa.
Diego Simeone and co. should still be able to secure a Champions League spot, but their ceiling is a third place finish as previously mentioned here at SBOTOP.
Sevilla
Sevilla are in a similar situation with Atletico Madrid and finishing in the top four is no longer a guarantee, with the likes of Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Villarreal lurking.
The departures of Diego Carlos and Ludwig Augustinsson to Aston Villa are such a huge loss, and their backline might be at its most vulnerable state should they lose another vital cog in Jules Kounde this summer.
The 23-year-old centre-back is inching closer to a move to Barcelona, who are in a tug-of-war with Chelsea. Sevilla fans would understandably prefer to see him move to Stamford Bridge rather than to their rivals over at Camp Nou.
Los Palanganas had Giovani Lo Celso as one of their primary targets to strengthen their midfield, but it’s highly unlikely that they’ll get him since Villarreal are pushing hard to retain the Argentine in their ranks.
Julen Lopetegui’s group can compete for a Champions League spot, but there’s a bigger chance that they’ll drop back to the Europa League at the end of next season.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano raised eyebrows when they finished 12th in their first season back in La Liga. In fact, at one point, they were hovering around the 8th to the 10th spots and were in contention for a Europa Conference League berth.
But it’s unlikely that they’ll finish at the same place or higher this upcoming season since their roster hasn’t changed much, although they should be able to maintain their top-flight status.
Sergi Guardiola – who was their top scorer with eight goals – is about to return to Real Valladolid after the end of his loan, which is going to be a huge blow for them. Rayo Vallecano are reportedly looking to replace him with Diego Costa, but the former Chelsea star is approaching the twilight of his career.
And since they have one of the lowest budgets in the league, Rayo Vallecano can’t do much in this summer transfer window that would’ve reinforced their lineup.
Celta Vigo
Los Celestes’ attacking firepower is going to be a big question mark next season. While they still have Iago Aspas, who was their top scorer last term with 18 goals plus six assists, the 35-year-old can’t do it alone especially in a demanding tournament here in La Liga.
Santi Mina was their second-best scorer last season with seven goals and three assists, but his future with the club looks uncertain after being found guilty of sexual abuse earlier this year, although he was eventually cleared for some reason.
Still, him making it to the La Liga 2022 news for the wrong reasons casts a dark cloud over Galicia, which doesn’t help in their bid for a top half spot.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
