La Liga has long been dominated by Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have won an incredible 57 league titles between them in history.
Some sides have managed to mount challenges and dethrone the dominant pair at times in recent years, with Atletico Madrid being the most recent team to have achieved such a feat, when they rallied to La Liga success in 2014.
Before them, it was Valencia that sprung a surprise in 2004, following up on their title triumph two years earlier to reign supreme. Fast forward 13 years from their last win in Spain and Los Che are once again pushing hard towards another shock victory outright.
Under the guidance of esteemed manager Marcelino Garcia Toral, the club are now once again attempting to battle Barcelona at the top of the table after flourishing during the early stages of this current campaign. They have also been helped by the fall from grace of reigning and record title holders Real Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane’s Los Blancos lie down in a daunting fourth position, well off the usual pace and high standards they have set throughout their rich history. Their lack of league form and momentum has seen pressure mount on their boss, while star man Cristiano Ronaldo has been also struggling domestically for goals and typically high-profile performances.
With all this playing into the hands of Valencia, the second-placed league outfit are gaining confidence and momentum with every passing fixture, and they are now a very promising 33/1 in the La Liga betting to claim a sensational title win.
Los Blancos have clinched six La Liga trophies in their history, with the first coming back in 1942 and the last in 2004. That latter success was claimed with a star-studded squad of players, which included the likes of David Silva, Roberto Ayala, Pablo Aimar, Vicente Rodriguez, David Albelda and John Carew.
Many of those star names eventually moved on to ventures new in light of the club’s success, but the current crop of Los Che players look more than capable of securing their latest title victory ahead of Barcelona, who finished second back in that successful 2004 term.
Valencia fans have been treated to eye-catching and attacking football so far this current campaign, with the latest stars showcasing their abilities and talent in style. The club has a rich history of producing superb forwards, including former Spain hitman David Villa and current Manchester City playmaker Silva, but there are plenty more to be excited about this term.
Summer signing Rodrigo has been in superb form and has been one of the key reasons by the side’s early-season success, while all of PSG-loanee Goncalo Guedes, former West Ham United flop Simone Zaza and Manchester United starlet Andreas Pereira are performing brilliantly, too.
With so much to be hopeful about this season, Valencia could yet prove to hold yet another historic squad under Marcelino, as they continue to push title favourites Barcelona all the way.