Here is a look at and projection of the 2009-2010 La Liga runners-up:

Players In: Sergio Canales (attacking midfielder, €4.5 million), Ángel di María (left winger, €25 million), Pedro León (right winger, €10 million), Sami Khedira (defensive midfielder, €12 million), Ricardo Carvalho (centre back, €8 million), Mesut Özil (attacking midfielder, €18 million)

Players Out: Christoph Metzelder (centre back, free transfer), Guti (attacking midfielder, released), Raúl (striker, released), Rafael van der Vaart (attacking midfielder, €11 million), reserve and academy team players, and those out on loan

Strengths: Midfielders, with Kaká, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Özil and Lassana Diarra as just a few midfielders that give Real Madrid one of the best midfield lineups in the world. Their wingers are also great, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Ángel di María, Pedro León and Esteban Granero making up the core.

Weaknesses: Strikers, as Real Madrid only have Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuaín to use if Cristiano Ronaldo switches back to his wing position.

Projected Place: 1st

Overall: Real Madrid have a great team, and it would be tough for anyone to beat them, so they should be at the top of La Liga and advance far in the Champions League.