It always seems a rare sight to see Barcelona and Real Madrid losing games in La Liga. The two giants have largely shared titles for the whole of this century, with others stealing their mantle occasionally. Yet, despite their dominance, they are human, and defeats will come around every season. With both suffering from slow starts to their league seasons, it seems this La Liga season could be an open race if other sides can take advantage.
La Liga an Open Race as Barcelona and Real Madrid Start Slowly
Usual Suspects Stagnant
There has been great noise of discontent around the Barcelona camp after their ignominious 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich. Lionel Messi threatened to leave the Camp Nou and looks ever more upset without his partner-in-crime Luis Suárez. Los Culés managed to shift some deadwood, but far from experienced the re-haul they needed.
But after a 1-1 draw against Sevilla and a 1-0 defeat to a Getafe side enjoying a fine start themselves, discontent could sneak back in. Many believe this could be superstar Messi’s final season at the club, though perhaps his heart is already away from Barcelona. In any case, Ronald Koeman will have a job on his hands keeping him happy.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have also suffered a similarly slow start. They looked goal-shy in their 1-0 home loss against newly-promoted Cádiz, with just two shots on target all game. They, like Barcelona, managed to move on unnecessary players; Gareth Bale made his return to Tottenham Hotspur, while James Rodríguez joined him in the Premier League with Everton.
However, this was the first season with no new signings since 1978. If injury problems continue to plague important players like Eden Hazard, their squad could be more stretched than last year. This is also a team with significantly fewer star players than before. Gone are the days of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos is now the most influential player they have. Lose him to suspension (which is more than likely), and Madrid could suffer. In any case, the first El Clásico of the season next weekend could be very telling for how the La Liga race will pan out.
The Other Contenders
Atlético Madrid are always a hair’s breadth away and waiting to pounce on any slip-up from Barcelona and their Madrid neighbours. As the only unbeaten side left in the division, Diego Simeone has Atlético grinding results in their usual pragmatic fashion. However, they are yet to face a side of true pedigree so far. With Bayern Munich on the horizon in the Champions League, we will get a sense of just how far Simeone can push Barcelona and Real in the La Liga race this year.
Real Sociedad are the side currently setting the pace in Spain, with three wins from their opening six games. Bolstered by the signing of David Silva, Imanol Alguacil will hope they can be contenders. Sociedad looked in with a shot of Champions League football last season, though their form after the prolonged break was less than stellar. Scoring a lot of goals and barely shipping them, they could be a force if they can contend with the challenge of Europa League football as well.
Villarreal are another outfit capable of surprising a few people. With Unai Emery back for his first season in Spain since leaving Sevilla, they have a manager proven at a high level. Dani Parejo joining on a free transfer was an absolute masterstroke. They also have significant firepower, with Paco Alcácer and Gerardo Moreno both off to flying starts, scoring seven of the team’s eight goals this season. As another side competing in the Europa League, they will have to juggle a packed schedule. If they can keep their attacking options fit and firing, though, they will surely have an outside chance.
Two-Horse Race Ruined?
It is an overused cliché but it goes without saying that it will be a long season. Who knows what injury crises, or even pandemics will come along the way. Though with no clear frontrunner, a slow start from every team, this year’s La Liga race could go right to the wire.
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