1996–97 La Liga

La Liga
Season1996–97
Dates31 August 1996 – 23 June 1997
ChampionsReal Madrid
27th title
RelegatedRayo Vallecano (relegation playoff)
Extremadura
Sevilla
Hércules
Logroñes
Champions LeagueReal Madrid
Barcelona
Cup Winners' CupReal Betis (as Copa del Rey runners-up)
UEFA CupDeportivo La Coruña
Atlético Madrid
Athletic Bilbao
Valladolid
Matches played462
Goals scored1,271 (2.75 per match)
Top goalscorerRonaldo (34 goals)
Biggest home winBarcelona 8–0 Logroñés
(20 October 1996)
Biggest away winRayo Vallecano 0–4 Real Betis
(16 March 1997)
Highest scoringBarcelona 8–0 Logroñés
(20 October 1996) Zaragoza 3–5 Barcelona
(29 August 1996)

The 1996–97 La Liga season was the 66th since its establishment. It began on 31 August 1996, and concluded on 23 June 1997. Five clubs were relegated to the Segunda División at the end of the season, as the number of La Liga clubs was reduced to 20 starting from the following season. This was thus the last La Liga season played with 22 teams.