One of the best football leagues in Europe and the globe is La Liga, sometimes referred to as the Primera División. The ranking of La Liga teams is not just a point of pride for the clubs, but also a key indicator of form, success, and competitiveness in the league. As of 2025, La Liga continues to be a hub for international talent and a battleground for some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.
This guide will explore how the rankings in La Liga are determined, the current state of the league in 2025, practical tips for following the league, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding La Liga rankings.
How is the La Liga Ranking Determined?
The La Liga ranking is determined by a system of points accumulated by each team throughout the season. Points are awarded based on match results:
- 3 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
The league title is won by the squad that finishes the season with the most points. If two or more teams are tied on points, the following tiebreakers are used to determine the rankings:
Head-to-head results between the tied teams.
Goal difference (the discrepancy between the number of goals scored and those given up).
Goals scored (how many goals the team has scored overall this season).
In addition to the league ranking, teams can also earn qualification for European competitions like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, based on their performance.
Current La Liga Trends and Teams in 2025
Real Madrid: A Renewed Challenge
Real Madrid is a club that consistently challenges for the top spot in La Liga. As of 2025, they are once again contenders for the title, thanks to an infusion of young talent and an experienced leadership core. With new signings and a tactical shift under their current manager, Real Madrid is adapting to the modern demands of football while staying true to their legacy.
Their ranking in La Liga in 2025 remains high, with players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, and Eduardo Camavinga playing key roles in their charge for another domestic title.
FC Barcelona: Rebuilding for the Future
FC Barcelona is in a period of transition. After financial difficulties in previous seasons, the club has begun to regain stability and focus on youth development. The rise of players like Pedri, Gavi, and Anssumane Fati has injected optimism into the team.
Barcelona’s ranking in La Liga as of 2025 reflects a promising future, as they are now regularly contending for top-four positions and European qualification spots. However, they are still looking to recapture the level of success that saw them dominate Spanish football in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Atlético Madrid: A Consistent Contender
Atlético Madrid, under the stewardship of Diego Simeone, has become a consistent force in La Liga. Known for their tactical discipline and counter-attacking style, Atlético has earned multiple top-three finishes in recent years. Their ranking in La Liga continues to be strong in 2025, with stars like Antoine Griezmann and João Félix leading the charge.
Atlético’s ability to stay competitive year after year has made them a tough opponent for the league’s giants. They are expected to remain in the mix for the top spots in the coming seasons.
Real Sociedad: A Rising Force
Real Sociedad has emerged as one of the surprise teams in recent La Liga seasons. After years of rebuilding, they have managed to position themselves as a strong mid-table team with aspirations to break into the European spots. As of 2025, their ranking is solid, and they are a club to watch for potential upsets against the bigger teams in the league.
Key Factors Affecting La Liga Rankings in 2025
Team Performance
The overall performance of a team across the season, including individual player form, tactical adjustments, and squad depth, plays a pivotal role in determining the ranking.
For example, the ability of a team to maintain consistency in results is crucial. A few key wins over direct competitors for the top spot, like FC Barcelona or Atlético Madrid, can significantly impact a team’s position in the rankings.
Head-to-Head Results
La Liga matches between top teams are often decisive. If two teams are close in points, the head-to-head results (the outcome of their matches against each other) will decide their ranking.
In the 2025 season, key matches like Real Sociedad vs. FC Barcelona or Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid could be pivotal in determining who clinches the title or secures a European spot.
Injuries and Squad Depth
The depth of a team’s squad also becomes evident in tough periods, especially when fixtures pile up.
For instance, Karim Benzema’s absence due to injury for Real Madrid in previous seasons has tested their ability to compete at the highest level. In 2025, teams with deeper squads are more likely to maintain a strong league position over the course of the season.
Transfer Window Movements
Transfers are an important factor in La Liga rankings. Teams that make strategic signings during the transfer windows can improve their squad depth and increase their chances of a higher ranking.
The influx of top talent to clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona during recent transfer windows has allowed them to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Follow La Liga Rankings in 2025
If you’re new to following La Liga rankings or want to stay updated on the progress of your favorite team, here’s how you can do it:
Check Official La Liga Website
The official La Liga website provides up-to-date rankings, match results, and team statistics. This is the most reliable source for current standings and team performance.
Use Sports Apps and Websites
Sports apps like ESPN, OneFootball, and FotMob offer real-time updates on La Liga rankings, results, and detailed statistics. These apps also allow you to set notifications for your favorite teams.
Follow Club Social Media Channels
Many La Liga clubs post regular updates on their social media profiles. These updates include results, key player performances, and behind-the-scenes content that can provide insights into the club’s overall performance.
Watch Highlights and Full Matches
For an in-depth understanding of how the ranking is shaped, it’s essential to watch La Liga games. Many matches are available on streaming platforms like ESPN, DAZN, and La Liga TV.
Read Match Analysis and Commentary
Following expert commentary and match analysis from reputable outlets like Marca, AS, and Sport can help you understand why a team is performing well or struggling in the rankings.
Practical Tips for Following La Liga Rankings
- Look at Goal Difference: A high goal difference can indicate a team’s dominance. If a team is consistently winning by large margins, they are likely to secure a top spot.
- Keep Track of Key Fixtures: Matches between top contenders, such as Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona or Atlético Madrid vs. Real Sociedad, can significantly influence the rankings.
- Follow Emerging Teams: Teams like Real Sociedad or Real Betis are challenging the established order in La Liga. Watching their matches can provide insight into potential upsets and changes in the rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many teams are in La Liga?
La Liga features 20 teams, with each team playing 38 matches throughout the season. The top 4 teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while the next 2 secure spots in the UEFA Europa League.
How is the La Liga champion decided?
The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned La Liga champion. In case of a tie on points, the ranking is decided based on head-to-head results, goal difference, and goals scored.
Which teams are relegated from La Liga?
The teams that finish in the bottom three positions (18th, 19th, and 20th) at the end of the season are relegated to the second division, La Liga 2.
How do La Liga teams qualify for European competitions?
The top four teams in La Liga qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while the fifth and sixth-placed teams earn spots in the UEFA Europa League. The seventh-placed team may qualify for the Europa Conference League, depending on other results.
How often does La Liga update its rankings?
La Liga rankings are updated in real-time after each match, with teams earning points based on their match results. Rankings are adjusted after every round of fixtures.
Final Thoughts
La Liga continues to be one of the most exciting football leagues in the world, offering high-quality football, intense competition, and thrilling matches. The ranking of teams within La Liga is influenced by numerous factors, from head-to-head results and goal difference to injuries and transfer activity. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the league, keeping track of the standings and understanding the intricacies behind the rankings can enhance your enjoyment of Spanish football.
To stay updated, follow official sources, apps, and commentary from trusted sports outlets. And remember, La Liga’s rankings are not just about numbers; they reflect the thrilling journey of each team as they battle for glory.
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