Seven wins from last 10 matches saw Real Madrid storm to the top of the table and a 3-1 victory over Mallorca on the final day of the season saw Madrid win its first La Liga title in four years.

Sevilla FC came in third in the 2006-07 La Liga season, but the team will be hoping that a fantastic beginning to the new season where they managed to outfox champions Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup is the sign of things to come. Sevilla also lifted the Copa del Rey last season and has shown marked improvement in all areas of its game. It has brought in several new players including Chelsea's Khalid Boulahrouz and Udinese keeper Morgan De Sanctis. However the club will not be helped by rumors that coach Juande Ramos is headed to White Hart Lane to replace Martin Jol and the Tottenham boss.

Things have been far from settled at Real Madrid as well. Fabio Capello was sent on his way even after winning the La Liga and Madrid have brought in German coach Bernd Schuster. Madrid have been busy on the transfer front as well. Jerzy Dudek, Javier Saviola and Christoph Metzelder have arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu on free transfers, while Brazilian defender Pepe cost the club $40 million.

Real Madrid are also interested in securing the services Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, but talks appear to have stalled at the moment. However Robben could very well arrive by the end of this month and Madrid may be looking up to him to replace David Beckham who has headed for "greener" pastures in LA Galaxy. Last season striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy was in sparkling form for Real Madrid especially toward the fag end of the season. His 25 goals played a pivotal role in securing the La Liga on the final day. Coach Schuster will be hoping for more of the same from his hit man this season as well.

Barcelona on the other hand have retained faith in coach Frank Rijkaard whose job was in jeopardy following the last day loss to Real Madrid. Barcelona did not fare any better in the UEFA Champions League as well, leading to rumors that the manager's job was on the sword. However Barcelona have retained his services and despite the departure of striker Javier Saviola to Real Madrid, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead. The arrival of Thierry Henry from Arsenal was long expected and finally materialized this year. The former Gunner will hope to settle down quickly and to treat Barca fans to his unique brand of football. Van Bronckhorst and Guily were the other big names to leave Barcelona this year, but Gaby Milito, Yaya Toure and Eric Abidal all look to be formidable names on the Barca bench.

Last season’s fourth finisher Valencia FC will also look to challenge for the top two places this year. Coach Quique Sanchez Flores has managed to steer his team to a position of dominance ever since he took over in 2005. Last season was a miserable one for Valencia as the team struggled to overcome injuries to key players. However good results toward the fag end of the season saw the team finish a creditable fourth in La Liga and also claim a Champions League spot for the 2007-08 season. Timo Hildebrand arrived at the Mestalla as a direct replacement to Santiago Canizares and Flores will be hoping his skills will be put to good use especially at the start of the season. Striker Javi Arizmendi and Ivan Helguerra are also new signings at Valencia and fans will be hoping for more heroics from the club this season.

Villarreal who finished fifth last season will also be hoping to challenge for the top four spots. With a settled look about the team, fans at the El Madrigal stadium can look forward to seeing their team dominate. The arrival of Giuseppe Rossi is a big boost to the strike force.

Last season Celta de Vigo, Real Sociedad and Gimnàstic de Tarragona were relegated, while Almería, Murcia and Valladolid made the jump to the top league. It was a horrific season for Real Sociedad who have now turned to former Fulham manager Chris Coleman to resurrect their fortunes.

Overall the clubs to look forward to are again Barcelona and Real Madrid, but Sevilla and Villarreal can pose a strong challenge to these two giants. It will be interesting to see how Thierry Henry copes with the pressure of the La Liga and if he was worth all the wait for the Barca fans.

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