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In Pictures: Spain’s two-horse race

We preview the new Spanish Primera Division season, which is turning into another Barcelona v Real Madrid battle.

Ronaldo
The Spanish Primera Division is shaping up to be another duel between giants Barcelona and Real Madrid for the 10th season in a row. Since 2001, only Rafa Benitez(***)s Valencia have managed to win the title, in 2002 and 2004 [EPA]
Published On 15 Aug 2013
Gerardo Martino
There are a couple of new faces at the Nou Camp. Tito Vilanova stepped down as coach because of throat cancer, and Gerardo Martino has replace him [EPA]
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Neymar Messi
Martino has pledged to continue the team(***)s quick-passing style. He has a new weapon in young Brazilian gun Neymar who will play alongside Lionel Messi [Getty]
Thiago Silva
However, Barcelona are still smarting from defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season, and need to address their defensive frailities. The club is still looking for a world-class defender but have reportedly had bids turned down for PSG(***)s Thiago Silva and Chelsea(***)s David Luiz [EPA]
Carlo Ancelotti
Meanwhile, in a post-Mourinho Real Madrid, former PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti has taken over at the helm. His first priority is to try and get Cristiano Ronaldo to renew his contract [EPA]
Iker Casillis
He also seems to have restored Iker Casillas as the first choice goalkeeper, a move that should placate angry fans who were furious about Mourinho relegating the club talisman to the bench [EPA]
Gareth Bale
And keep an eye on the transfer market, as the club have reportedly make a world-record bid for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale [EPA]
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Spanish football fans
And the other contenders? While Barca and Real continue getting richer, other clubs are suffering in Europe(***)s financial crisis. Spanish clubs have raised around $509m from transfers this offseason, 75 per cent of which came from sales to other leagues [EPA]
Radamel Falcao
Around 80 players have left Spain with the top destination being England. Monaco(***)s owner, Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev has recruited Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid [EPA]