Real Madrid have made a lot of efforts to strengthen their XI this season. However, they still need to have stronger players in the midfield, they have not been able to strengthen it that much down the line. Barcelona's XI is currently very strong and they are fighting with more excitement than last season. According to Barcelona's performance, I think they are ready to compete a lot this season, if they can play strongly against Real Madrid this season, they will be in the lead to win the championship this season as well as last season. However, if Barcelona will have enough competition and excitement with Real Madrid this season, it will be impossible to confirm now, although Real Madrid is planning to strengthen their players in the meantime.
They are definitely lacking firepower in the midfield. Not sure why they didn’t buy someone to strengthen it. There were some rumors about them going after Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, but I don’t see him as a player of Real Madrid’s caliber.
Barcelona, for me, is the No. 1 pick to lift the trophy this season. The only thing that could stop them is a wave of injuries in their camp — or a blockbuster signings from Real at the last moment.