Many would think it would be crazy to talk about Real Madrid’s poor start to the season having already cost them the La Liga title so early on into the season. But with the force of Barcelona and the fact that they rarely falter once they frequently start picking up points, Madrid’s defence of the title has gone before it has even started.
Real Madrid sit mid table in 12th, where as Barcelona are where everyone expects them to be, top of the table having won 4 from 4. Mourinho’s men are already 8 points behind Barcelona, even if Madrid win both Classicos this season; they still have to rely on Barcelona slipping up somewhere. I can’t see that happening not alone Madrid going from now to the end of the season without losing or drawing.
A team can’t simply give an advantage to a team such as Barcelona so early on in the season. Madrid are already playing catch up… big time. They have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 2. What makes this start even more disastrous is the recent defeat to Sevilla are a team likely to be competiting up and around the top of La Liga.
The only shining light for Real is that their recent dramatic last minute win against Man City in the Champions league may give the team the boost and lift they need to start picking results up in the league. The squad know they are capable of grinding out results if they dig deep then they must realise that they can bring this style into their league form.
However Real Madrid are chasing after a ‘Pamplona Bull’ in Barcelona. Tito Vilanova’s men haven’t played fantastic football yet they can time and time again get the result when they really need it. Like Madrid they demonstrated this on Wednesday when they managed to come from behind to beat Spartak Moscow at home 3-2. In the league they are netting goals left, right and centre and yes you know who is the at the centre of the Barca’s success on the pitch. For those of you who aren’t sure I’ll give you a clue… he wears the number 10 shirt.
For me I honestly believe Real Madrid could have potentially given away the title to Barcelona already even after only four games into the season. If they can win the first Classico then perhaps they are back in it. If Barcelona win I can see their defence of La Liga going up in flames well before Christmas.
Daniel Clark
@ClarkyD92
For more Football Blogs and opinion from football fans around the world