Another Spanish Premier League season is officially here soccer fans.

It feels like it wasn't that long ago that Barcelona hoisted the La Liga trophy to win their 23rd championship. It's time for another season of diving saves, exciting headers, and incredible goals in Spain.

As previously mentioned, it was Barcelona who won it all last season for the seventh time in the Lionel Messi era. The south American trio of Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar proved to be virtually unbeatable last season. Add Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo - who led Chile to the Copa America title - to the mix, and you've got one heck of a team.

Unfortunately for Barcelona, they don't get an easy game in Week 1. They will face Athletic Bilbao on the road, and Neymar is still out with the mumps. The last time Barcelona traveled to Bilbao, they lost 4-0 in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. This won't be an easy game. Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will face off on Sunday.

The first game of this La Liga season will feature Málaga and Sevilla on Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid don't have a very tough game in Week 1. Although they will be playing on the road, Real Madrid gets to play Sporting Gijón, who was in the second division last year. Real Madrid no longer has Iker Casillas in net, and Gareth Bale is under a lot of pressure to live up to that big contract. Last season Ronaldo scored an incredible 48 goals, but his team faltered late in the season to a disappointing second place finish.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are once again expected to be the top two teams this season.

Atlético Madrid and Valencia are two other teams who could very well win this La Liga. Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Alves was phenomenal in goal last season for Valencia. Believe it or not, Valencia actually had fewer losses than Real Madrid did last season, but they had too many draws. Atlético Madrid, who won La Liga two years ago, is always in the mix. They and Real Madrid will renew their rivalry in the "Madrid Derby" twice this season.

Córdoba, Almería and Elche have all been moved to the second division for this season. They have been replaced by Las Palmas, Real Betis and Sporting Gijón.

La Liga Week 1 Schedule

Friday

Málaga vs. Sevilla: 2:30 p.m.

Saturday

Deportivo vs. Real Sociedad: 12:30 p.m.
Espanyol vs. Getafe: 12:30 p.m.
Atlético Madrid vs. Las Palmas: 2:30 p.m.
Rayo Vallecano vs. Valencia: 4:30 p.m.

Sunday

Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona: 12:30 p.m.
Sporting Gijón vs. Real Madrid: 2:30 p.m.
Levante vs. Celta Vigo: 4 p.m.
Real Betis vs. Villarreal: 4:30 p.m.

Monday

Granada vs. Eibar: 2:30 p.m.

All times listed above are Eastern American. You can watch live game streams here.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1