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Real Madrid have only won La Liga three times in the last 10 years, but Carlo Ancelotti's men are in pole position to reclaim the crown from cross-city rival Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos have shown themselves to be extremely tough to beat this season and have ground out results in performances reminiscent of title-winning sides.
However, the battle to be crowned champions of Spain is far from over as Real Madrid will know themselves, having last season clawed back a 10-point deficit against Atletico Madrid to take the title race down to the final day of the campaign.
GOAL brings you everything you need to know about the favourites and outsiders for the La Liga title in 2021-22.
Who are La Liga favourites in 2021-22?
Ending 2021 eight points clear at the top of the Liga table underlines just how strong Real Madrid have been this season. Los Blancos are the division's top scorers and boast the most prolific marksman in the league in Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid.The Frenchman's partnership with Vinicius Junior has gone a long way to ensuring top spot for Madrid and the side from the Spanish capital are offered at just 1/8 with bet365 to claim their 35th league title.
A major factor in Real Madrid's favour is the current state of their two most traditional rivals, with Atletico Madrid ending the year 17 points behind them and Barcelona a further point away.
It is Sevilla who are currently posing the biggest threat to Los Blancos, and Julen Lopetegui's men can be backed at 9/1.
Atletico Madrid come next in the betting at 20/1, while Barcelona are priced at 40/1 to produce what would arguably be the greatest comeback in La Liga history given the institutional crisis which the club has been enduring.
Can Barcelona still win La Liga 2021-22?
Fighting for the title is likely to be beyond this talented yet extremely young and inexperienced Barcelona squad.
The Blaugrana will be more focussed on finishing in the top four, something that it is an economic imperative given the club's precarious financial position, but also the bare minimum requirement from the fans.
Getty ImagesShould youngsters Nico Gonzalez and Gavi continue to flourish, and Ansu Fati return from injury in strong scoring form, there is every chance that Xavi Hernandez will be able to secure at least a Champions League spot for his side next season.
When was the last time Sevilla won La Liga?
Six-time champions of the Europa League and winners of the Copa Del Rey in 2007 and 2010, Sevilla have only ever been Spanish champions on one occasion.
The side from Andalusia's only title win came back in the 1945-46 season, although they ran Real Madrid close in the 2007-08 campaign before ultimately slipping to third place in the table.
Getty ImagesWith Atletico Madrid and Barcelona struggling, Sevilla may never get a better chance to mount a serious title challenge.
Who won La Liga last season?
Atletico Madrid finished two points clear of Real Madrid last year to claim their 11th league title and their second under Diego Simeone.
With the return of Antoine Griezmann to the club in the summer, Atletico were expected to mount a serious defence of their title yet so far Simeone's side have been underwhelming.
Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
