Between Two

It has been only 5 games, but everyone’s shared fear seems to be becoming true. La Liga is going to be a race between Real Madrid and F.C Barcelona. Both teams have a perfect record so far, and they have not suffered too much to win their games. Sevilla are almost keeping up the pace, but who knows if they can handle the intensity all year. Hopefully they can. There are different ways to analyze this differences. The first one which claims that these two clubs are too good, have spent much more money than the rest and they are almost impossible to catch. The other view reasons that the Spanish league is losing its level and the middle class is not good enough to compete with the big ones. In my opinion, it has to do more with the first explanation. Money talks. Either way this is not good for the league.

Madrid started the league the same way they finished last year. It does not matter how they play, it is the result that is important. They have been very effective and the newcomers are solving the hard situations. However, the team is not playing very well, and it has caused some disappointment in Spain. After the big spending, people are expecting so see a magnificent football team. It is still very early, but it is true that Pellegrini should get more out of that much talent. Critics believe that it is interesting that teams like Xerez, Tenerife, or Deportivo challenged Madrid so much on the field. Results showed big differences, but the performance on the field proved that the team is having problems keeping the ball and creating good chances. But at the end of the day they have so much power going forward that the goals end up coming. One day Ronaldo scores a free kick, the next one Kaka brings out some magic, or if not; the 7 is always there to be the smartest of the class once more. It has been very important Guti and Granero´s contribution to the team. These two ``underdogs´´ have taken responsibility in those moments when the big names could not solve the problems.

Barça in the other hand seems to be getting back to their good habits. After a sloppy start, Guardiola´s pupils seem to keep using the same methods. The ball is not moving as fast as it used to, but the concept is there and game after game they look a bit better. Nonetheless in some occasions they found themselves with tougher opposition than expected. Some people believe that the team prepared the season to be at their best fitness around November and then April. Some others think that teams already know what Barcelona do and they try to stop them by slowing them down with fouls and ultra-defensive strategies. This is part of the game and Messi and company must find the solutions to overcome these difficulties. So far the Argentinean and Zlatan are putting the goals on the table, but again it is Xavi who is directing the orchestra. Soon Iniesta will be back and probably he will send Henry to the bench. The Frenchman is not going through a good time and he needs to step up if he does not want to see his last days in Barcelona from the bench.

The other duel within the duel is Ronaldo vs Messi. The Portuguese star is not playing at his best level but his ability to score and decide games is out of question. He is an athlete and he has all the physical conditions to be the football icon in the next years. Messi is more of a team player. He understands better his role as member of a group. He helps the midfielders to create chances and his quick transitions allow the team to move the ball quickly. He always finds a partner (Alves, Iniesta, Xavi, and now Ibraimovich), and he has improved his scoring numbers.

I would like to mention another character: David Villa. ``El Guaje´´ is always there. Even though Valencia are not doing that well, he keeps scoring goals. So far he is the top scorer of the league and his ambition to succeed will never stop. He knows that next summer he will have the chance to shine like no one else has done before for Spain in South Africa, and that motivation will keep him on scoring track.

So probably La Liga is going to be a duopoly. Hopefully Sevilla can get there, and teams like Valencia, Atletico, or Villareal get back on their feet. This Sunday the ``Merengues´´ are visiting Luis Fabiano and his mates. After that game we could see if there is any hope for the rest or we will have to wait for the Clasico to see who goes on top.

Posted by Nando