Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is expecting a more competitive La Liga this season, with Valencia and Sevilla possibly challenging last term’s top three.

Atletico Madrid secured their first Spanish league title in 18 years in 2013-14 when they finished three points ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid, the first time a team other than the big two had won La Liga since Valencia a decade earlier.

Athletic Bilbao were fourth, a further 17 points behind, and Sevilla fifth, with Valencia finishing down in eighth, 41 points adrift of Atletico, and missing out on a place in European competition for 2014-15.

This season, both Valencia and Sevilla, who won the Europa League last term, have made bright starts to their La Liga campaigns and are second and third respectively after seven matches, with Real fourth and Atletico fifth.

“Valencia are not playing in Europe and it’s a new team with a new coach, a lot of motivation at the moment and supporters who are pushing them hard,” Ancelotti said.

“Sevilla are more used to success as they performed very well last season,” added the Italian.

“They can both be in the fight, although I don’t know how long they will sustain it. I think La Liga will be more competitive than last season.”

Ancelotti also looked ahead to the La Liga ‘Clasico’ at home to Barca on Oct. 25 and said Real’s arch-rivals appeared to have improved from last term when they failed to win major silverware for the first time in six years.

They have a new coach in Luis Enrique and made several high-profile signings in the close season, including forward Luis Suarez, midfielder Ivan Rakitic and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

“I see a (Barca) team that is more motivated because they did not do things well last season,” Ancelotti said.

“Luis Enrique has come in and for sure he is full of desire and very excited.

“New players have arrived and a new Neymar. I think they are more competitive that last year.”