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#3 Barcelona
Once truthfully labeled the giants of Spain, losing their legendary player during the summer transfer window thrust the club into a period of uncertainty. Adding to their financial troubles, Barcelona went from competing seriously in all competitions to getting kicked out of the Champions League group stages. In La Liga, the Catalan giants sunk into midtable obscurity, with the inevitable managerial sacking taking place.
However, the return of Xavi Hernandez has righted the stumbling Blaugranes, and thanks to a strong presence in the winter transfer window, they are shining. Sitting in 3rd place with 54 points, Barcelona will have to maintain consecutive wins and pick up as many points as possible. If they stumble even slightly, the Blaugrana could be kicked out of top four again.
#2 Sevilla
Sitting just nine points behind the league leaders, Sevilla have taken up the mantle dropped by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. With both Spanish giants struggling to repeat their former successes, the Sevillistas have brilliantly filled the void near the top of the table with brilliant performances.
Sevilla's main problem has been their inability to see games through, having picked up a stunning 12 draws, the joint-highest in the league. Picking up draws where they might have picked up wins instead has seen the Andalusian outfit lose valuable points that could've put them at the top of the league table. Star players like Rafa Mir and Erik Lamela have helped them get to second place, and consistent performances could potentially see them rise to first place.
#1 Real Madrid
Early in the season, Real Madrid simply looked like contenders for the La Liga title this season. However, they have been unstoppable, with first-placed Los Blancos looking like almost certain winners as they sit nine points ahead of Sevilla. With just three losses this season and the highest goal difference in the league, Real Madrid have dominated Spanish football so far.
Their recent 4-0 loss against Barcelona will have stunned the Madridistas to shame, but their first position remains consolidated. Four wins in a row before the El Clasico loss gave 12 points that have helped Madrid cement their spot at the top of the table. Sublime appearances from world-class players like Karim Benzema have been cardinal to Los Galacticos' success on the field. The star has scored 22 goals and assisted 11, leading the rankings at the Santiago Bernabeu for both stats.
