Álvaro Benito has delivered a clear and direct message about the season that's beginning and is already generating debate. According to the Cadena SER contributor, there's a key competitive difference between the two giants of Spanish soccer. It's not a matter of squad or history: it's a question of preparation.
In his view, Barça starts with an advantage thanks to having had more time to work on its system. While the blaugrana team has already been able to calmly fine-tune its preseason, Real Madrid is arriving just barely ready.
Benito says that this lack of match fitness and adaptation to the new coach could make the difference in the first months of competition.
Express preseason versus calm schedule
The difference between both teams isn't minimal. Real Madrid has had an express preparation of just fifteen days (15 days), between the end of its tour of the United States and the league kickoff at Bernabéu. It's a short preseason that Alonso faces with few training sessions and many questions.
In contrast, Barcelona has enjoyed more leeway. That calm transition has allowed it to settle on the field, work on its tactical approach, and shape its playing mechanisms. In addition, its players are rested after the holidays.
According to Benito, that advantage doesn't disappear after a couple of matches, but could extend its effect over crucial weeks.
"Barça has competitive advantage"
The statement, made by Benito from the microphones of El Larguero, was clear: "It has an advantage over Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid because of the preseason."
It's not a trivial comment. It means acknowledging that Barça has a more solid preparation while Madrid is still searching for its playing identity.
Performance in the first matches could be decisive. If Barça takes advantage of its rhythm to earn points and put on a show, the pressure on Madrid will increase from the start. In that scenario, the competitive advantage Benito refers to isn't just tactical, it's psychological.
A strong start from Barça would put the narrative of the season in its favor and keep Madrid swimming against the tide from the first minute. The challenge isn't just to play well, but to prove that this extra preparation is worth more than the name or the history.
The season begins with noticeable imbalance
Spanish soccer was supposed to start an epic season. But the detail of the preseason brings everything back to the field, where the order of arrival matters. While Madrid is charging ahead, Barça has already set its autopilot.
The virtue of being better prepared can't be bought in the market; it's worked on at the training camp. Now, every move is scrutinized.
Barça seems to arrive more solid, and Madrid will have to prove it can start from behind... and make up ground.