Millions of fans, 38 matches, 20 teams and some of the biggest names in sports. Friday the 13th (9 pm) marks the kickoff of one of the most popular football (some call it soccer) leagues in the world, La Liga. The league’s correct name? The Campeonato Nacional de Liga de Primera División, in Spain referred to as Primera División also known as LaLiga Santander after its sponsor Banco Santander. But, do you know where all the teams belong? Which were promoted and relegated?
The Spanish football league was established in 1929 and consisted at that time of only ten teams. It is governed by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional, or the National Professional Football League, a body that also governs the 22-team Segunda División.
Promotions and Relegations
The newly promoted teams: Espanyol (Catalonia), Mallorca (Balearic Islands) and Rayo Vallecano (Madrid).
The teams relegated from La Liga last season: Eibar (one of four teams from the Basque Country), Huesca (the only team from Aragón) and Real Valladolid (the only team representing Castile and León).
Where do this season’s teams belong?
Team by autonomous region
So this season both Madrid, Valencia and Andalusia will be represented by four teams each, Basque Country by three teams, Catalonia by two and Galicia, the Balearic Islands and Navarre each by one team.
Andalusia
Madrid
Valencia
Basque Country
Catalonia
Balearic Islands
Galicia
Navarre
Cádiz, Granada, Real Betis and Sevilla
Atletico Madrid, Getafe, Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid
Elche, Levante, Valencia and Villareal
Alavés, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad
Barcelona and Espanyol
Mallorca
Celta Vigo
Osasuna
The new league table
The new table looks as follows with all the teams listed in alphabetical order:
Team websites for more information
It all starts this evening!
The first game of the season will take place in Valencia and feature Valencia vs Getafe. Starting time: 9 pm, Friday 13 August. Have a great football Friday and weekend! Enjoy the beautiful game!
Find Your Spain!
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