Spanish Football thread

[Haarithan]

Hmm so with Madrid thrashing Celta yesterday in their Copa del Rey second leg clash to progress, this's how their run-in looks during February-March, IF they beat Valencia while Barca beat Malaga in the Copa del Rey QF:

Barca - Man Utd - Barca - Man Utd - Barca

 

[thedon5]

Lol.

 

[Epic]

5 match suspension for Ramos too, that now leaves Real with Carvalho and Varane...

 

[shravi]

Jose Mourinho said last season that first and second place in La Liga aren't only the best teams in Spain, but in the world. In agree completely. However, when he said that, the top two teams in Spain were Barcelona and Real Madrid (and they undoubtedly still are, whatever the table might say). While I think the currently third placed Real Madrid would still win the EPL, do you think the currently 2nd placed Atletico would, or rather could, do the same?

 

[Auwais]

Real, given the current state they're in, wouldn't win any league. Atletico's excellent home form plus the availability of a world class striker makes them more difficult to gauge, especially with their lack of Champions League experience, which will surely be rectified this season.

 

[shravi]

Real, given the current state they're in, wouldn't win any league. Atletico's excellent home form plus the availability of a world class striker makes them more difficult to gauge, especially with their lack of Champions League experience, which will surely be rectified this season.

Yes, I agree. On current form Real Madrid aren't pulling their weight in any league. However, I am purely looking at squad strength. That being said, if you were to look only at squad strength, City would be winning the league.

As for your point about the Champions League. It is valid, but as City showed last season (and indeed this season), CL performance may not have as large a correlation with league competitiveness as you have suggested. That being said, it will be interesting to see the true extent of Atletico's reliance on Falcao once he leaves (presumably this summer).

 

[thedon5]

With Adrian most likely leaving too, their attack is going to take a big blow. Losing two players is a worry, and will mean two new players will have to adapt together rather than one. So the departure of Falcao may appear tougher than it really is.

 

[thedon5]

Valdes is finally leaving Barca! About time!

 

[Epic]

Bit of a laugh really, it's Barca that should really be quitting on him...

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I don't know if you saw Courtois' performance tonight, but I sure as hell know Barca were watching, either him or ter Stegen for me.

 

[thedon5]

I can't see why Chelsea would let Courtois go but yeah those two are the best young keepers in the world. Someone really good with their feet would be welcome.

Guiata and Diego Alves are possibilities too, fine keepers there at Valencia.

 

[Epic]

Think him wanting to leave would be enough tbh, I mean, what are they going to tell him? Spend a few years or so on loan and maybe, just maybe Cech will be on the decline? Not going to happen and we're talking about Barca here, what Barca wants, Barca gets.

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Ah, there's Guiata, he's Spanish too, would make sense.

 

[thedon5]

Yeah there is always a chance they'll start telling him he has Barca DNA, then his international team mates will put a Barca shirt on him.

 

[Haarithan]

ter Stegen without a doubt would be the ideal fit.

 

[Epic]

Varane.

Absolutely killed it today in the Clasico.

 

[Auwais]

Almost came to United. The next generation of CBs look quite promising.