Real Madrid came with DSS to raid Atletico Madrid as they left their sympathy at the entrance of the Vicente Calderon. In what was the last Madrid derby at the Vicente Calderon, Real Madrid ensured it wasn’t one to remember. Here are few things from another weekend of action in La Liga.
Zidane destroys his critics
Many have questioned Zinedine Zidane’s coaching abilities like Drake’s ability to write his own rap lines but on this night, Zidane didn’t only answer those questions with an emphatic YES I CAN; he also evisrated any strand of those questions like his Barber’s clipper does to his bald head.
Give it to the man, he’s got balls of Iron Man. The big call was to drop Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos for their biggest test of the season so far, opting for Lucas Vasquez and Nacho Fernandez instead. The last time Nacho and Varane were the two defensive pairing for Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon, Real were beaten like they stole a phone at Alaba market (4-0). Nacho played arguably the best game of his senior career this time around, throwing himself at everything while also keeping a calm head, something even Sergio Ramos can’t boast of. Lucas Vasquez also played his part by being a constant threat in attack and also an industrious defensive support.
Without Pepe, Ramos, Kroos, Casemiro and Benzema starting, Real Madrid still look the part and some could argue that they look better and more balanced. For a team whose parts are usually better than the sum, Zidane has turned that around.
Another thing is Ronaldo’s timing. In the past weeks, Real Madrid have literally had to pass their way past the goalkeeper and lay the ball before Ronaldo could score. Apart from his hat-trick against Alaves, Ronaldo has had difficulties scoring goals that almost seem like the Portuguese was approaching the end of his union with goals like Brad-Angelina’s marriage.
After a contract extension and the close of the Balon d’or votes this week, the timing of his hat-trick is both perfect and intriguing.
Barcelona in big trouble after draw
If there was ever a time not to drop points, it was now, against Malaga, who are still finding their way under Juande Ramos.
With Barcelona next two games, against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta where they haven’t won since Barrack Obama became president and the El Clasico, this draw was at best silly and at worst irresponsible.
For the third time this season, Barcelona dropped points at the Camp Nou and against all three teams, Messi either didn’t finish, start or feature at all(in that order). After the game, Catalunya presidential aspirant Gerard Pique said there is ‘no excuse’ for the draw, though there is, it isn’t just one that makes the rest of them look good without Messi.
Like keeping beards, the trend in Spain is questioning the tactical ability of a coach. Even after winning a treble, Luis Enrique still hasn’t been able to wipe off suggestions that his ability without Messi is as poor as action stunts in Yoruba movies.
A terrible farewell least of Atletico’ worries
Atletico Madrid got a front row seat to watch their ‘dark days’ as Real Madrid put on a show to remind them. Adele must be a Real Madrid fan, because the club always ensure her album is in hot demand by beating Atletico Madrid where/when it truly hurts.In what was the last Madrid derby at Vicente Calderon before moving to their new stadium LA Peineta, this was a sad way to say goodbye.
With nine points behind, Atletico Madrid’s title ambitions is already saying hello from the other side. But by nightfall on Sunday, fresh worries had risen up for Atletico Madrid as missing out of the Champions League stares at them in the face.
With Real Sociedad’s win at Sporting Gijon, Atletico Madrid are now sixth on the table. Though you imagine that they have enough quality to weather this storm but it is going to be a real fight especially with Sevilla and Villareal not dropping points easily.
Sevilla don’t miss Unai Emery
When it became clear Unai Emery would leave Sevilla, everyone thought just how they are going to get over such a colossal loss. Then Sevilla’s famous sporting director Monchi appointed Jorge Sampaoli and everyone knew this guy should be selecting presidents for countries and save electorates the stress.
It has been a big success so far, as Sevilla occupies Atletico Madrid’s usual spot on the table. Will they compete with Real and Barcelona for the title? That is a stretch as big as Small Doctor winning a Grammy.
Sevilla’s unbelievable 3-2 comeback against Deportivo showed an amazing resolve to win games which easily would have been just a point under Unai Emery.
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