2025 Liga Review: Highlights and Key Players

As the 2025 Liga season comes to a close, it presents an opportunity to reflect on the year’s performances at both the player and team levels. This summary features a diverse array of individual and collective achievements, yet it prominently showcases the enduring rivalries poised to shape the upcoming second half of the 2025-2026 season: Barcelona versus Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal against Kylian Mbappé.

The list of standout performers is varied, with the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid contrasting sharply with the unexpected underperformance of top-tier teams such as Villarreal and Real Betis, which, while present in some statistical categories, have not made a significant impact overall. Notably, not all statistics are favorable, even for the two most celebrated ‘number 10’ players in the Spanish league.

Focusing on the most prolific players, Unai Simón, David Soria, and Dmitrovic emerged as essential figures throughout the season. However, the most prestigious accolade, that of team victories, was claimed by Barcelona, with Eric García as a key contributor. In contrast, Girona and Mario Martín faced the most significant disappointments, suffering numerous defeats.

Barcelona and Kylian Mbappé led the league in goals and shots, although the Catalan club maintained exclusivity in successful dribbles, assists, and accurate passes. Lamine Yamal was at the forefront in dribbling and assists, while his teammate Pedri excelled in passing accuracy, supported by De Jong as the most reliable in seeking teammates. Overall, Real Madrid recorded the fewest errors. Barcelona’s list of achievements further included Pedri’s successful ball recoveries, Lamine Yamal’s wins in duels, and Joan García’s Zamora award, establishing a solid defensive front at Espanyol.

It was no surprise that Diego Simeone’s Atlético showcased the best defense of the year, but other defensive strategies yielded unexpected leaders. The Athletic, Alavés, and Mallorca demonstrated their resilience against opponents. Valverde’s side emerged as the team with the most intercepted passes and ball recoveries, with Betis also featuring prominently in both categories. Vitoria’s squad, alongside Getafe, displayed tenacity, winning the most total and aerial duels, while Mallorca, once again with Getafe and Betis, excelled in aerial clearances, with Raíllo leading defensively.

As the calendar becomes increasingly congested, teams must also manage player minutes effectively. Sevilla, Real Sociedad, and Alavés utilized 39 players each in the league, but Atlético, Celta, and Real Sociedad frequently rotated their starting XI. Notably, Fran Pérez (between Valencia and Rayo Vallecano) emerged as the most commonly used substitute, while Valencia’s Diego López was frequently called upon to leave the pitch before the match’s conclusion.