Real Madrid In Pursuit of Rodri - Markets Still Favour Defending Champions Barcelona

With the new La Liga season beginning on August 15, Barcelona will look to defend their title after finishing eight points ahead of Real Madrid last season under Hansi Flick.

Canadian betting sites such as Bet365 have once again placed Barcelona as the favourites to win the 2026–27 title. The defending champions are currently priced at –125, representing an implied probability of 55.6%.

Real Madrid remain close behind at +110, giving them a 47.6% implied probability. Their odds have shortened amid reports that the club is attempting to sign World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri, a move that could significantly strengthen their title challenge. 

Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona will enter the season with a settled core built around star players Lamine Yamal and Pedri. The continuity with the team is one of the major reasons betting markets continue to favour the defending champions ahead of the 2026-2027 season.

Last season showed just how dominant this group can be. Barcelona ended with 94 points, scored a league-leading 95 goals and won all 19 of their home matches.

Their offensive production will be difficult for the rest of La Liga to match. With Yamal continuing to develop and Pedri controlling the midfield, Barcelona already possess the foundation required to challenge for another title without needing to make major changes.

However, the results away from home was less convincing. All six of Barcelona’s defeats last season came on the road. If there's one shortcoming that could result in them losing to Real Madrid, it would be in how they perform when they play away.

Real Madrid will enter the season with uncertainty surrounding their squad. Although their summer additions could improve the team, new arrivals may need time to settle into the starting lineup and develop chemistry with their teammates. 

That adjustment period could allow Barcelona to establish an early advantage, leaving Real Madrid with a difficult gap to close as the season progresses.

However, the possible addition of Rodri would strengthen Madrid’s outlook. His ability to control possession, protect the defense and dictate the pace of matches would address one of the most important areas of the squad.

Until the transfer is completed, it remains more optimistic rather than a guaranteed advantage. Real Madrid will need to determine how quickly their new squad can develop the consistency required to keep pace with Barcelona over a 38-match season.

Madrid did still finished with 86 points last season and were the only club to remain within realistic reach of Barcelona. An eight point deficit is significant, but it is also small enough that improvements could change the outcome this season.