Barca, Madrid set for Spanish title battle

MADRID: Real Madrid's ambitious plan to dislodge Barcelona as Europe's premier team begins on Saturday with the start of the La Liga season, where a title contest between the classic rivals will bring the Spanish league into sharp focus.

Since returning as president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez has spent a quarter of a billion Euros ($360 million) on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso in a bid to revive the galactico following a barren season.

Barcelona remain favorites to defend their title, with coach Pep Guardiola's team relatively unchanged from last season when they became the first Spanish club to win the treble of league, Copa del Rey and European Champions League titles.