Real Madrid or Barcelona? The Spanish league season gets underway in one day and that is the question likely to dominate from this weekend all the way through the spring. Though Atlético Madrid and Valencia are capable contenders, most would agree that this perennial rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is what will likely determine the title at the end of the season. Which side is better? Here is a breakdown of the two teams.

Goalies

Barcelona enters the current season with the same tandem as last season. Claudio Bravo is likely to keep his position as the No. 1 in Spanish competition, while Marc-André ter Stegen gets Cup duties. The German keeper got to start the first two games of the season, but conceded eight goals in those two matches while committing some woeful mishaps. He certainly did no favors in yanking the spot from the Chilean, who looks as good as ever.

Barcelona will at least have stability between the pipes that Los Blancos lack. The question remains: Will it be Kiko Casilla? Or Keylor Navas? Or even David de Gea? If de Gea makes the move, he is undoubtedly the best keeper in this rivalry, but his lack of match fitness could be an issue. Navas and Casilla are both solid, but not on the same level as Bravo.

Edge: For now, Barcelona.

Defense

Barcelona's defense was tremendous last season and essentially features the same cast of characters. Gerard Piqué, Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Jérémy Mathieu, Adriano and Thomas Vermaelen are the main players. The problem is fatigue and whether this team has the endurance to make it to January and beyond. The reality is that through three matches thus far, the backline looks fragile, and injuries to Jordi Alba have put Jérémy Mathieu in a position that he is not succeeding in. More concerning: Is the 31-year-old starting his decline? Pique is out for four matches to start the season, leaving this side without its best defender. The early signs are worrisome, and with more injuries, fatigue could be problematic.

Madrid has Rafa Benítez, a defensive-minded coach, who should help this core of players improve. Madrid essentially has the same look on the backend, but now has Danilo helping out Dani Carvajal and likely pushing the declining Álvaro Arbeloa out of the lineup. Sergio Ramos' contract debacle should no longer create distractions, though the team should be worrying about Pepe's long-term durability for the year. Raphaël Varane should be better and step in as his long-term replacement.

Edge: Even, but Madrid could have the leg up in this department with better depth.

Midfield

Gone are the days where Xavi could slide in off the bench to help organize Barcelona. In fact, outside of Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitić and Andrés Iniesta, Barcelona's midfield is lacking in depth. Rafinha has been used as an attacker. Sergi Roberto has yet to prove himself an elite midfielder. Arda Turan is not coming until January. What exactly is Barcelona going to do about its rotations in the midfield?

Madrid, on the other hand, has reinforced itself in the middle of the pitch. Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modrić, Asier Illarramendi, Lucas Silva, Mateo Kovačić, Isco and James Rodríguez. It is a wealth of talent that Benitez has at his disposal.

Edge: Madrid because of its depth.

Forwards

At this point you have to call it a standstill. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez vs. Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. The former trio likely has an edge on the latter, but depth really tips the scales in this one again.

With Pedro gone, Barcelona's depth consists of Munir El Haddadi, Sandro and Rafinha up top. They have combined for eight goals in 72 appearances for Blaugrana. They are not particularly promising players at this stage in the game. Arda Turan is a huge help in this department, but he won't be around until January.

Meanwhile Madrid has Jesé Rodriguez, Denis Cheryshev and Marco Asensio. Jesé alone has 12 goals in 56 games for Madrid, while Cheryshev was a star for Villarreal in 2014-15.

Edge: Even when depth is factored into it, an injury to one of Barcelona's big three could be a monumental disaster.

In sum, Madrid looks like a deeper side this season, mainly due to its reinforcements throughout the lineup. Barcelona's transfer ban essentially stripped the club of this opportunity, and it could cost them the title in 2015-16.