Panini Soccer Spotlight: Early-Season LaLiga Storylines

Written by: Julio Vega

The 2025-26 LaLiga campaign is in full swing. Several stars across the division have gotten off the mark strong, while some young faces are making their case for recognition. With every team playing at least four matches, here’s a quick look at what’s going on around the league and who’s stood out from the pack.

REAL MADRID FLYING HIGH

Working under new manager (and legendary midfielder) Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid started the campaign with an unblemished record. Kylian Mbappé, who notched a league-best 31 last season, is the frontrunner for the scoring title again after netting four in as many games.

Arda Güler has also shined with Los Blancos, scoring twice in that same span. The Turkish attacker is just one of a young core – Vini Jr., Franco Mastantuono and Dean Huijsen – that’s ready to light up LaLiga.

BARCELONA DEFENDING CROWN

On the other side of El Clásico, FC Barcelona also started the campaign on a strong note. Reigning LaLiga Player of the Season winner Raphinha has continued his fine form, netting three through four games.

With a revamped squad that includes new arrivals Joan García, Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji, the Blaugrana have all the tools to repeat as league champions, something that’s been hard to do in Spain in recent seasons.

ESPANYOL, ATHLETIC CLUB, GETAFE MAKING A STAND

Espanyol have turned heads with their fabulous start to this campaign. It all kicked off with a 1-0 win over Atlético de Madrid, and that momentum kept on rolling with two more victories and a draw. Pere Milla has been the spearhead, scoring three in that stretch to match his tally from 2024-25.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club and Getafe are within reach of the top spots with nine points apiece. Five different players have scored for Los Leones, while Los Azulones have relied on Adrián Liso as the leading man up top. Both teams are expected to be a tricky matchup for any side this season.

DON’T SLEEP ON VILLARREAL, BETIS OR ATLETI

There is still plenty of quality in the middle of the pack. Villarreal made Tajon Buchanan a permanent signing this past summer, and he responded with a trio of strikes in four games. Real Betis has South American stars Antony and Cucho to help clinch results. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid has more than enough quality to earn big results, with Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth and Antoine Griezmann capable of game-changing goals.

FEEL-GOOD STORY OF THE SEASON

Real Oviedo returned to the top flight for the first time in more than two decades, thanks in large part to hometown hero Santi Cazorla. The gifted playmaker developed in the club’s youth system but had never played for the senior side across his career. He eventually returned to his roots during his twilight years in 2023-24 and led the charge.

With the Spaniard announcing that this will be his last season as a pro, all eyes will be on the club that’s vying to give the fan-favorite attacker a worthy goodbye.

This season is still young and there’s plenty of constantly shifting storylines to follow. Keep your eyes and ears open to stay on top of the latest news, and be on the lookout for upcoming releases of Panini LaLiga soccer cards to further envelop yourself in the football fun.