We are nine games into the 2023-24 La Liga campaign and Real Madrid lead the way heading into the second international break. We take a look at how the odds are shaping up for the league title.

Real Madrid @ 8/13

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are two points clear at the top of the table with eight wins from their opening nine matches. Summer signing Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a great start at the Santiago Bernabeu with eight goals in as many games.

Los Blancos are stacked with quality in their squad, particularly their midfield ranks. And the fact that Bellingham is enjoying the most prolific goalscoring spell of his career is only going to boost their chances of reclaiming the crown from rivals Barcelona. It is hard to see any other side than Real Madrid winning La Liga this term.

Barcelona @ 13/8

Last season’s title winners have also enjoyed a productive start to this campaign. Xavi’s side are the only team in La Liga who are still unbeaten after nine games, and they have picked up 21 points so far. They are currently second in the table.

This will be a huge confidence booster for La Blaugrana when they return to action after the international break, but one thing they will need to focus on is turning more of their draws into wins. Real Madrid have been beaten this season but they have still managed to pick up more wins than their rivals and at the end of the season that will make a huge difference.

What will also make a huge difference is their top goalscorer and last season’s Pichichi Trophy winner Robert Lewandowski, who already has four goals to his name in the league. The Poland striker will have a huge role to play in this title race and Barca will need him to match last season’s numbers if they are defend their crown.

 Atletico Madrid @ 8/1

Atletico Madrid head into the international break in fourth but they do boast a game in hand on their title rivals, which could be pivotal come May. It was only three seasons ago that Diego Simeone’s side last won La Liga (the second time under his stewardship), as former striker Luis Suarez’s goals were crucial in that title triumph.

It is being reported that Simeone is set to sign a new contract with the club that he has been with for the past 12 years. He is built into the fabric of this great club and both the fans and the players continue to have great faith in him.

After all, they were the only side so far this term to inflict a defeat on Real Madrid. It was during that match in which advertised their title credentials, and they cannot be ignored with so much of the season left to play.