Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by grubdunkman

La Liga Founded: 1928/1929(first season)
Country: Spain
Teams: 20
Matches: 38 per team
Points: 3 for win, 1 for draw

La Liga, officially known as the National First Division League Championship established on February 10, 1928. It has become the Spain’s premier club competition. Held annually in a two-round tournament format.

La Liga Format

Twenty participating teams play against each other twice: once at home and once away. This means that each team will play a total of 38 matches throughout the season. The championship operates on a “fall-spring” system, starting in early August and running until the end of May. You can see the calendar here.

There is no winter break in the Spanish league, since the weather is always suitable to play 🙂 For each win, a team earns 3 points in the league table, and for a draw, they receive 1 point. At the end of the season, the points that teams accumulated are tallied, and the team with the highest total becomes the country’s champion.

In the event of equal points between two teams, additional criteria are used, including goal difference, number of goals scored, and head-to-head results. At the end of the season, the three lowest-performing teams, with the fewest points, are relegated to the Segunda Division.

Promotion System

From the second division to the Primera Division promotion is set up as follows. The top two clubs and the winner of additional playoff matches between the teams placed 3rd to 6th are promoted to Primera.

The league also stands as one of the wealthiest football leagues globally, generating significant revenue and attracting top-tier talent from around the world with broadcasting deals and commercial partnerships.

La Liga History

Throughout history, the league has weathered numerous challenges, including interruptions caused by the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Despite these setbacks, the league persevered, carrying its status as one of the premier football competitions in Europe. Over the decades, the league has evolved, adapting to changes in the sport and embracing innovations.

La Liga Legends

The league has witnessed the rise of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport, from Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 
In the history of the league, several remarkable coaches stand out.

Johan Cruyff transformed Barcelona’s style, winning four league titles and the UEFA Champions League. Pep Guardiola continued this success, winning three league titles and two Champions Leagues. Diego Simeone revived Atletico Madrid, leading them to their first La Liga title in 18 years.

Zinedine Zidane, known for his Real Madrid legacy as both the player and the coach, secured three consecutive Champions League titles and the league title. Vicente del Bosque, while famous for coaching the Spanish national team, also won La Liga twice and two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid.

VAR Implementation

The league adopted VAR in 2018-19 for more accurate refereeing. It prioritizes youth development and sustainability. With a large fan base and global broadcasting, La Liga remains highly competitive and prestigious in the world of football.