In five days, the face of the La Liga title race has been changed. FC Barcelona leading the recovery tripped twice and saw their lead shift late. Without always shining but invariably the winner, Real took the opportunity to regain control.
In the middle of a month of May when the sport was still at a standstill, Thibaut Courtois boiled with impatience and ambition. “We want to resume competition and fight for the title“, he proclaimed with his usual outspokenness. For him, there was no question of attributing the title to Barça. And even if nothing is played, time is proving him right. Six matches from the end, Madrid leads the way in the standings with two more units than the FCB.
The confinement made it possible to erase the stigma of defeat against Betis in Madrid’s heads. The Merengues have refocused, refocused during the forced break. They tightened ties to present themselves strong and united in the recovery.
A relentless Royal
Carried by his warrior Ramos (3 goals) and a Benzema “in the zone“(3 goals, one assist), Madrid avoids the obstacles one after the other. With a boost the referees will say some.
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Five matches, five successes. Effective offensively (11 goals), solid defensively (3 goals conceded, three clean sheets), Real advance as one man.
In Barcelona, faces close, the tension increases as Messi and co drop points. In Seville (0-0) and against Celta Vigo (2-2), Barça were unable to win. The friability outside (23 points taken out of 48 possible), if it is confirmed, may well be expensive at the final count.
Tensions in Catalonia
Worse, these divisions have rekindled dissension. Luis Suarez, returned from injury, openly attacked Quique Setien this week-end. “Coaches should analyze this type of situation. We, the players, give everything on the field, but outside, we lose many points. In recent seasons, it was not like that“, pointed out the Uruguayan, bitter despite his double.
Marca, pro Real newspaper it must be remembered, reports that the tone has risen between the coach and his players in the locker room of Balaidos. The tactical differences would have been at the center of a heated discussion. A rather unwelcome tension when starting the final sprint.
A decisive week?
The Blaugrana no longer have the right to make mistakes and must quickly get back on track. The insane calendar does not leave room for procrastination. Crucial matches against Aletico, 3rd, (30/06) and Villarreal, 5th, (5/07) are already announced.
At the same time, Real received Getafe, 6th, in Valdebedas (2/06) before embarking on a still perilous pilgrimage to Bilbao, 9th, (5/07). Athletic have conceded only 9 goals and three losses this season in their Cathedral of San Mamès.
Madrid, which has always played after Barça since the recovery, has shown that it can tame the pressure. Confident of them, Merengue have managed to reverse the trend and place the Catalans back to the wall.
If Barça still wants to believe in the title, it will have to react. And quick.
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