Title is Real Madrid’s to lose

REAL MADRID should be looking forward to a leisurely stroll towards a 30th Spanish league title after adding David Beckham to a line-up already boasting the game’s most destructive attacking force.

However, the defending champions have been their own worst enemies in the build-up to the new domestic season and a series of internal squabbles could yet open the door to one of several challengers.

Incredibly, coach Vicente del Bosque and captain Fernando Hierro were both dumped after last season’s title win - much to the displeasure of the other senior players - and new Portuguese boss Carlos Queiroz will be glancing nervously over his shoulder unless the team’s start is impeccable.