{"id":582511,"date":"2021-02-04T01:00:13","date_gmt":"2021-02-04T06:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=582511"},"modified":"2021-02-03T17:23:46","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T22:23:46","slug":"the-race-for-la-liga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/02\/04\/the-race-for-la-liga\/","title":{"rendered":"The Race for La Liga – Atl\u00e9tico Madrid Leading the Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are at the halfway stage of the Spanish football season. There have been many twists and turns along the way in the race for La Liga.<\/a><\/p>\n

La Liga in Profile<\/h2>\n

La Liga Recap<\/h3>\n

At the start of the campaign, the shocks came thick and fast with both current champions Real Madrid<\/a> and Barcelona<\/a> floundering with surprise defeats and patchy form. The early pace setters were Real Sociedad thanks to their in-form attackers Mikel Oyarzabal<\/a> and David Silva.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Champions Elect<\/h3>\n

However, the current title picture sees a dominant force leading the way – Diego Simeone\u2019s Atl\u00e9tico Madrid. His band of brothers, led by an inspired Luis Su\u00e1rez<\/a> and a formidable Jan Oblak<\/a>, lead the way with a comfortable gap to the duopoly that is Barcelona and Real Madrid. The form of other key protagonists such as Jo\u00e3o F\u00e9liz,<\/a> Marcos Llorente<\/a> and Kieran Trippier<\/a> have been the anchors in Simeone\u2019s successful ship as they aim to set sail to La Liga glory. This would be seven years after their last La Liga triumph in May 2014.<\/p>\n

Los Colchoneros <\/em>have been consistent performers from early on due to their imperious defensive record \u2013 the best in the Spanish league. Another key factor to their success story has been their Uruguay hitman. Currently, he is the top scorer in the league with 14 goals in 16 appearences. Remarkably, he has scored a goal every 85 minutes. What was Barcelona\u2019s loss is definitely Atletico\u2019s gain. Ronald Koeman will definitely be ruing their decision to let Su\u00e1rez go and ultimately strengthen a title rival.<\/p>\n

With the business end of the season on the horizon, it is Atl\u00e9tico\u2019s title to lose with their combative and spirited performances fitting of a champion team. Certainly, Simeone\u2019s blend of a well drilled, organised and composed side shows no signs of imploding. Rightly, they are the firm favourites to lift the La Liga crown in May. Especially as the El Cl\u00e1sico<\/em> rivals continue to play in fits and starts, producing inconsistent performances and failing to mount any assertive pressure onto Atl\u00e9tico.<\/p>\n

Champions League Competition for Places<\/h3>\n

The final spot for the Champions League will be fiercely contested by Sevilla and Villarreal – both vying for a place at Europe\u2019s top table next season. Therefore it will be a fascinating finale given one could argue a case for both teams finishing fourth. This is due to the similar qualities their squads possess.<\/p>\n

For Spanish football lovers, there is much to savour over the decisive months of the La Liga season.<\/p>\n

La Liga Title Race: Key Fixtures<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The race for La Liga enters its home stretch with the month of February seeing Barcelona travel to Seville to face Real Betis Balompi\u00e9, It is a fixture which always promises goals and entertainment. At the end of the month sees three tasty tussles on the same weekend. Real Madrid host Real Sociedad, Sevilla at home to Barcelona and Atl\u00e9tico Madrid travel to Villarreal. Therefore matchday 25 will go someway to identifying the champion.<\/p>\n

As March arrives, with it comes two huge derby days. Firstly, a Madrid derby with Atl\u00e9tico at home to Real. Meanwhile the week after, it is El Gran Derby<\/em><\/a> as Sevilla and Real Betis Balompi\u00e9 lock horns in Spain\u2019s most colourful and flamboyant fixture. The month of April welcomes El Cl\u00e1sico<\/em>, as Real Madrid host Barcelona. Finally, May will provide a Barcelona verses Atl\u00e9tico Madrid end of season spring sizzler.<\/p>\n

February<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Real Betis Balompi\u00e9 v Barcelona<\/p>\n

Real Madrid v Real Sociedad<\/p>\n

Sevilla v Barcelona<\/p>\n

Villarreal v Atl\u00e9tico Madrid<\/p>\n

March<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Atl\u00e9tico Madrid v Real Madrid<\/p>\n

Real Betis Balompi\u00e9 v Sevilla<\/p>\n

April<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Real Madrid v Barcelona<\/p>\n

May<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Barcelona v Atl\u00e9tico Madrid<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>