Discover the biggest shocks in La Liga 2024/25—from Girona’s rise to underperforming giants. This season is rewriting the league script.
Biggest Surprises in La Liga 2024/25 Shaking Up the League Standings
Every Vpower login season comes with its own twists and turns, but La Liga 2024/25 has produced a truly extraordinary set of surprises. From unexpected title contenders and breakout stars to the struggles of traditional powerhouses, this season is reshaping how we view one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
While giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona still command headlines, much of the excitement this season has come from unexpected storylines. These surprises have ignited fresh interest in the league, drawing new fans and giving neutrals plenty of reason to tune in each week.
Let’s explore the biggest shocks, overachievers, and game-changing moments that have defined La Liga 2024/25 so far.
1. Girona’s Unbelievable Title Push
Without a doubt, the most remarkable story of the season is Girona FC’s emergence as genuine title contenders. A team often written off as a mid-table hopeful, Girona now finds itself locked in a three-way race for the championship with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Led by manager Míchel Sánchez, Girona’s fluid, attacking style has seen them secure wins over top sides like Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. With standout performers like Artem Dovbyk, Aleix García, and Sávio, they are proving that smart tactics and unity can rival financial power.
Girona’s rise is not just a fluke—it’s a well-constructed project with long-term ambition, and it’s making the entire league more competitive and exciting.
2. Griezmann’s Career-Best Form at 33
Many expected Antoine Griezmann to begin slowing down in the twilight of his career, but the Frenchman has been in career-best form for Atlético Madrid.
Operating as a complete forward—scoring, assisting, and pressing with relentless intensity—Griezmann has become the brain behind Atlético’s attacking game. His leadership and consistency have made him not only Atlético’s MVP but one of the best players in the league.
This renaissance has shocked many observers, and his performances are proving that class, intelligence, and adaptability can overcome age.
3. Barcelona’s Reliance on Teenagers
Another unexpected twist is Barcelona’s heavy dependence on La Masia graduates. With a struggling financial situation and aging stars, head coach Xavi has placed faith in youth—and the results have been impressive.
Players like:
- Lamine Yamal (16 years old) – Dribbling wizard and game-changer
- Pau Cubarsí – Defensive prodigy showing maturity beyond his years
- Fermín López – Energetic midfielder contributing vital goals
Despite inconsistent results, these youngsters have kept Barcelona in the top four and created a new narrative around youth empowerment in the league.
4. Sevilla’s Collapse into Mid-Table Mediocrity
A team that was recently winning the Europa League now finds itself struggling to break into the top 10. Sevilla’s decline this season has been steep and surprising.
Key issues:
- Defensive instability
- Lack of identity under changing managers
- Underperforming veterans like Rakitic and Jesús Navas
- Missed opportunities in attack
Sevilla’s downfall has opened up opportunities for clubs like Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao to claim European spots—another reflection of how unpredictable this league has become.
5. Real Sociedad’s Tactical Evolution
While Real Sociedad have been steady contenders in recent years, their leap in tactical sophistication this season has surprised many.
Imanol Alguacil’s team is now:
- Pressing higher
- Controlling matches through possession
- Defending with a more compact mid-block
Youngsters like Takefusa Kubo and Brais Méndez are thriving, while veteran players such as Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal continue to provide leadership.
Sociedad’s intelligent, balanced football is a blueprint for mid-tier clubs seeking success in a fiercely competitive league.
6. Breakout Stars from Lesser-Known Clubs
2024/25 has also been a breakout year for players from less-heralded sides who are outshining big names.
- Sávio (Girona) – Brazilian winger lighting up defenses
- Bryan Zaragoza (Granada) – A constant threat with flair and directness
- Ayoze Pérez (Real Betis) – Reviving his career in style
- Marc Pubill (Almería) – One of the most consistent full-backs in the league
These players are proving that La Liga’s depth of talent remains unmatched, with stars emerging from every corner of the table.
7. Low Scoring Real Madrid Still Winning
Unlike previous seasons where Real Madrid led with attacking firepower, the 2024/25 version is built on defensive solidity and midfield control.
With Jude Bellingham shouldering the scoring load and a midfield built around Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Valverde, Madrid has found new ways to win—often grinding out narrow victories rather than dominating offensively.
This pragmatic, calculated approach has surprised many—but it’s working. And it reflects how adaptive football strategies have become essential in today’s La Liga.
8. Valencia’s Youth Revolution
After several seasons of turmoil, Valencia has finally embraced its academy roots. Relying on young talents like Javi Guerra, Diego López, and Fran Pérez, Valencia is showing a clear direction under manager Rubén Baraja.
While not contending for the title, their strong home form and fearless style of play have surprised many. Their resurgence is a reminder of how strategic planning and youth development can restore a club’s relevance in the league.
9. Athletic Bilbao’s Consistency
Bilbao, known for its Basque-only policy, has historically fluctuated between European spots and mid-table. But this season, they’ve been remarkably consistent—thanks to a core of Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, and Oihan Sancet, and a defensively compact setup.
They’re firmly in the race for a Champions League spot, and their performances against top clubs have made the league standings even more unpredictable.
10. VAR Drama and Officiating Controversies
No La Liga season is complete without drama—and VAR has been at the center of several headline-making controversies in 2024/25.
From questionable offside calls to handball decisions that have swung title races and relegation battles, the level of unpredictability has risen not only from teams—but also from the refereeing decisions themselves.
This chaos, while frustrating, has only added to the league’s entertainment value and emotional volatility.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Shocks That Strengthen the League
From Girona’s dream run to Barcelona’s youth gamble and Griezmann’s elite form, La Liga 2024/25 has exceeded expectations. These surprises are more than side stories—they’re reshaping the power balance of Spanish football.
What makes this season special is the diversity of success stories—big clubs adapting, small clubs rising, and new heroes emerging. The league has never felt more alive, unpredictable, and entertaining.
Support the League That Always Surprises
If you love underdog stories, tactical surprises, and passionate rivalries, now is the perfect time to follow La Liga. This isn’t just a league of superclubs—it’s a league of moments, emotions, and incredible football stories.
Support the league. Embrace the surprises. Witness the future of football in La Liga.
