The 2009–10 La Liga (known as the Liga BBVA for sponsorship reasons) was the 79th season of La Liga since its establishment. Barcelona were the defending champions, having won their 19th La Liga title in the previous season. The campaign began on 29 August 2009, and concluded on 16 May 2010; all top-flight European leagues ended earlier than the previous season due to the impending 2010 FIFA World Cup.
A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2008–09 season, and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División. In addition, a new match ball – the Nike T90 Ascente – served as the official ball for all matches.
On 16 May 2010, Barcelona secured a second consecutive La Liga title, and twentieth league title overall, following a 4–0 home victory against Valladolid. Barcelona's Lionel Messi won the La Liga award for Best Player for a second straight season.
Source: LFP and Yahoo! Sport Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored. (C) Champions; (R) Relegated Notes:
^ abMallorca could not qualify for the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League due to being immersed in a creditor contest, a situation against UEFA criteria. Then, Villarreal was invited to replace this spot.
^ abVLD 3–3 TEN; TEN 0–0 VLD. As the aggregate score is a draw (3–3), the team with the higher goal difference between these two teams qualifies first and over the other one (Valladolid 18th, with −25; Tenerife 19th with −34)
The Ricardo Zamora Trophy is awarded by newspaper Marca to the goalkeeper with the lowest ratio of goals conceded to matches played. A goalkeeper had to play at least 28 matches of 60 or more minutes to be eligible for the trophy.
This award is given annually since 1999 to the team with the best fair play during the season. This ranking takes into account aspects[34] such as cards, suspension of matches, audience behaviour and other penalties. This section not only aims to determine the best fair play, but also serves to break the tie in teams that are tied in all the other rules: points, head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored.
Mild (5 points) Serious (6 points) Very Serious (7 points)
When the audience makes some altercations such as explosions, flares, throwing objects to the ground, racist chanting, etc.
Closure of Stadium
10 points/match with closured stadium
When serious incidents happen which are punished by the closure of the stadium
It also accounts cards to non-players
The number in superscript is the corresponding round to the sanction
Important note: This table is not a count of cards and sanctions resulting from the matches, this table takes into account the removal or application of some cards and sanctions by the competent bodies (Competition Committee, Appeal Committee and Spanish Sports Disciplinary Committee)