The Spanish Primera Liga, which kicks off on Saturday, promises nine months of tension in which the title is very much up for grabs.

Real Madrid have lifted the last two league trophies and for that reason have to start the campaign as favorites. But it is far from certain they will complete a hat-trick of league titles.

There are several reasons for this. First of all the club will be setting its sights on performing in Europe, where they have fallen in the last 16 of the Champions League in the past four seasons. Real's obsession with a tenth European Cup could prove a major distraction.

Secondly the squad looks slightly weaker than last season's group of players. The obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo means their only arrival has been Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart and several areas need reinforcing.

Strikers Raul and Ruud van Nistelrooy are both the wrong side of 30. With the Dutchman ever more injury prone, there is a lack of cover in attack, which Gonzalo Higuain may or may not be able to compensate for.

The midfield looks strong, although they will miss Wesley Sneijder, out for three months with a knee injury. But coach Bernd Schuster may have problems with his defense.

Marcelo is unconvincing at left back and while Sergio Ramos is a force on the right, should he be injured, or more likely suspended, Michel Salgado is showing signs of age.

Central defenders Pepe and Metzelder have had injury problems in recent years, while Cannavaro is in his last year and in his mid- 30s.

Other teams have signed well over the summer. Barcelona has brought in young coach Pep Guardiola as well as several major signings.

Dani Alves, Martin Caceres and Pique add depth to their defense, while Seydou Keita is a powerhouse in midfield and Hleb should compliment Barcia's style of play.

Just as important is the fact that Ronaldinho and Deco, who had become disruptive influences in the dressing room, have gone, while Samuel Eto'o has remained. Should he stay fit, he will score over 20 goals, while any side with the mercurial talent of Leo Messi has to be taken seriously.

Villarreal, who finished second last season, have also done well, bringing in Edmilson and the talented Ariel Ibagaza. It remains to be seen if they can handle playing in the Champions League as well as the Primera Liga. But they have the players to challenge yet again, while coach Manuel Pellegrino is a Primera Liga veteran.

Atletico Madrid have also bought big to strengthen their defense and midfield, while maintaining strike pairing of Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan.

The only doubt over their challenge is a possible lack of a creative midfielder, although Raul Garcia and Maxi Rodriguez should score goals from the middle of the park.

Elsewhere Valencia will aim to forget their struggles last season under the guidance of new coach Unai Emery, who did such a good job with Almeria last time around. Their squad is unchanged by Emery's work on set pieces as well as the departure of divisive club President Juan Soler, should promise happier times in Mestalla.

Athletic Bilbao will also hope to build on an improved showing under Joaquin Caparros a year ago. A lot will rest on big striker Fernando Llorente and talented playmaker Fran Yeste performing at their best.

Sevilla will also be a threat, especially in their home ground -- the Sanchez Pizjuan. But they could suffer for losing Alves, Keita and midfielder Poulsen.

The remaining sides look destined to battle it out in mid-table and the battle to avoid relegation to the second division should also be a close run affair. The three promoted sides -- Numancia, Malaga and sporting Gijon -- will all suffer due to a lack of resources. Teams such as Betis, Recreativo Huelva and Getafe, who all suffered at times in the last campaign, will also find it tough going this time around, while Racing Santander and Almeria, who over-performed a year ago, could find themselves with a reality check after losing coaches Marcelino and Emery.

Source: Xinhua