The most intriguing La Liga season in years took another twist over the weekend.
The chaser has suddenly become the leader of the pack; thanks to a determined, steely unbeaten run of 15 games stretching back to that loss at the Camp Nou against Barcelona in October - out of which only 2 were draws, Real Madrid now have their destiny in their own hands after such a slow start to the campaign as Messrs Bale and Illara got used to life at the Bernabeu.
In the meantime, Spain's fast starters, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid appear to have hit a wall - I emphasise 'a' and not 'the', as I think their impeccable home form should stand them in good stead in the title race even if their away form in recent times has been a bit dodgy.
Barcelona certainly appear not to be the side that they once were. The signs had been coming for some time now that this Barca team is perhaps a bit too dependent on Lionel Messi for creativity even with the acquisition of Neymar in the summer. Neymar has shone at times at home but away from home in the more physical Spanish league, he has struggled a bit.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both in a bit of transition at the moment but it appears that Real Madrid have adapted far quicker for the long run. While Real Madrid's new signings appear to have gelled under new coach, Carlo Ancelotti, Martino's Barcelona is quaking a bit in the wake of the impending departure of veterans, Victor Valdes and Xavi at the end of the season; the later's departure will certainly fill a big hole that needs to be filled quickly by Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, or anyone that the coach whoever it may be, signs in the summer.
Amidst this, a fairly settled Atletico Madrid have taken advantage of Barca and Real's slips this season and put themselves right in contention for the title. Their form until now has been brilliant but confidence seems to be lacking in red half of Madrid - confidence that the other Madrid club can be champions instead of their wealthier, star studded rivals across town and across the country.
Atletico Madrid are good enough as they've shown not just in the league for much of the season but in the Champions League but just lack the final touch that champions need - especially champions who haven't been champions for so long (look at Manchester City, Blackburn, Chelsea and Manchester United even). And it's a shame that their star talismen, Diego Costa and David Villa have hit a goal drought just when their side needs it.
The performance at Osasuna was easily the worst of the season - perhaps playing a major European Cup tie at Milan had drained Diego Simeone's relatively small but talented side, but even then it was still a shock to see Atletico Madrid so disorganized at the back and then so toothless up front against a side who may be tough at home but are struggling to survive in Liga Primera.
There's still some way to go in this most intriguing of title races and plenty of twists left too. But suddenly, Real Madrid look very much like the champions they believed they could be even after their wretched start to the season.
Ole!
No comments:
Post a Comment