The constant battle that is more than just football between Real Madrid and Barcelona for all things football was at its closest last year and little more than a goal or two separates them at best based on two riveting Supercopa sides which finally saw Mourinho thrown the shackles off Madrid, in some way like Mancini has thrown away an uber defensive technique with Manchester City in the first two games this season.
The Catalans, along with their Counter parts from the capital, are actually stronger this season for the addition of Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, both of whom can pressure and act as replacements for Xavi/Iniesta and Pedro respectively.
As if anyone needed reminding of how good their defence is – The least appreciated quality in Barcelona’s team – They let in just 21 goals all season, which was 12 less than Real Madrid – and their win to nil ratio was nearly 50% last season, astonishing by any team’s standards.
Real Madrid lost where it matters for them – In the Champions League semi – final over 2 legs, largely thanks to the magic of Lionel Messi – but turned a 5-0 loss to a score draw in the League, and a 0-0 at 90 minutes into a first trophy for some time.
Goal machine Christiano Ronaldo should again lead the way with another 30+ total, aided by his top class midfield partners of Kaka, Ozil and Di Maria from the wings and midfield
Somehow Jose Mourinho has again found the need invest in his squad, bringing in young talented individuals alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in Fabio Cointreau and Nuri Sahin in the hope a greater squad depth will allow them to challenge their Catalan rivals and go the extra mile. The Special one might want to look further into his team than that though.
As talented as the likes of Pepe, Marcelo, Ramos and Carvalho are their disciplinary record cost them dearly against Barcelona – Real were reduced to 10 men on 4 out of the 5 occasions they played Barcelona, which ended up with them taking just 1 point from their two league meeting and also played it’s part in their Champions League failure – and the same sort of ugliness is still at the heart of his side based on Marcelo’s offensive attempts at regaining possession against Cesc Fabregas in the Nou Camp.
Should they cut that out of the team for good, one could call them the equal of Barcelona truly on all levels but there’s a sense that Barcelona will have enough over another campaign to repel them, although at odds of 4/7 other options are preferable over the course.
Third placed Valencia retain all of the putting interest for me, as the spending of Athletico Madrid & Malaga has somehow allowed them to trade at 3-1 to be best of the rest for the third successive season.
Of course the sales of Davids Villa and Silva, Joaquín & Juan Mata are a large part of that but the additions of Dani Parejo and Sergío Canales in the midfield, Pablo Piatti on the wing and Adil Rami in defence could go a long way towards filling that gap.
The club’s transfers have never hurt them greatly in terms of seasonal performances while their involvement in the Champions League seems to be no hindrance year on year, and they should surely outlast Malaga, who will need much time to gel in their new signings (although the Joaquin – Van Nistelrooy combination will be something to fear) and Athletico Madrid, who have been perennially disappointing over the last two seasons despite having quality players in their ranks.
Their transfer work has once again been impressive – The loss of Kun Ageuro is a deep one but the arrival of Arda Turan and Adrian Lopez, along with that coup of Rademel Falcao, will offset that with ease but the vote goes to Unai Emry’s side to land third place for the third season running, while a top 4 finish looks a sure vote, so be quick to snap up the 4/5 being offered by Bwin and Unibet.
Any opinions, good or bad? Send your thoughts to @KeejayOV on twitter
Advice
4 pts Valencia w/o Barcelona & Real Madrid (3/1 Bet365)
6 pts Valencia to finish in top 4 (4/5 Bwin)
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