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The Galacticos head into the final stages of the season with many little advantages. They have taken care of Schalke in the very first leg and have the easiest run of fixtures to the end as they only face Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in massive title-threatening ties. |
The Catalans are the ones with the toughest run of fixtures to the end of the season. They have to play all the top 6 and deal with the tricky second tie against Espanyol in the Catalan Derby. Having still to deal with Manchester City, the set of fixture given to the Catalans isn’t too kind. |
The ‘other’ team for Madrid as they’ve been known for many years are finally proving to the world that they are the Real deal. Playing a brand of football neither Barcelona or Real Madrid-esque, Atletico Madrid are the ones to watch out for for both the other title rivals. |
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Strengths : With one of the most dangerous attacks in the world, you can never put a game beyond this Madrid team. Carlo Ancelotti has, at his disposal the services of Di Maria, Jese Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Isco to choose from when he thinks of changing the ruthless Ronaldo–Benzema–Bale. That itself is pretty scary for any defence in the world. |
Strengths : Attack. A perfect midfield and a clinical front 3 is what Barcaare known for. With Messi and Neymar fit alongside the evergreen pair of Xavi–Iniesta and the class of Fabregas, that is makes up a side good enough to push for any title. |
Strengths : Strikers. Something about the Spanish league that gives people the impression that attack supersedes defence. But with the best defence among the top-3 and the clinical Diego Costa in form and scoring, Atletico are the force that no one should take for granted. The winter signing of Diego from Wolfsburg might just be the final piece in the puzzle. |
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Weakness : The ability to self-destruct. We’ve seen on numerous occasions that a poor decision from one of the Los Blancos has ended up with them losing a man on the field. Red cards and suspensions are all that stand between Real Madrid and the title if they continue doing what they do. |
Weakness : The defence is always a worry for the Catalans. The central defenders pairing has been a concern for a couple of seasons. While Pique looks more-or-less back to his best, Martino has failed to find a consistent partner for the lanky Spanish defender. |
Weakness : Inexperience. Lack of experience in such title-chasing situations may be the undoing of Atletico’s good work. A steady defence and a workman-like midfield along with Diego Costa should be a good enough combination to fire Diego Simeone’s men to the title if only the can hold their nerve right till the end. |
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Opportunities : Having the easiest of fixtures until the end of the season, it’s a great chance for Ancelotti’s boys to secure the title without giving their rivals even a sniff. The 3 point advantage they possess now may very well be the line between a good campaign and a great campaign, |
Opportunities : With their attacking duo of Messi and Neymar back fit and playing the football of dreams, no one seems to be doing enough to stop them or even get near them when in full flow. The fact that a classico at the Bernabeu remains, is a very delicious opportunity to oust their eternal rivals in their own backyard. |
Opportunities : Their surprise title challenge has taken the entire league by storm. Winter signing Diego is happy and finally has his chance to prove his undoubted ability. The scoring prowess of Diego Costa and David Villa seems to be carrying them throughout the season and they may very well carry the team to the end of the race. |
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Threats : The return of Messi and Neymar seems to have boosted the entire Barcelona squad. They have found gears they never used before and once they get going they are hard to stop. Atletico, on the other hand have been dismissing teams with ease and the tireless midfield churns out results that never seemed to be there. |
Threats : With Real Madrid having probably the easiest of fixtures till the end, a slip-up from the world’s most expensively assembled team looks highly unlikely. Atletico Madrid have a surprise element to them that seems to have caught the entire league off-guard. Their ability to get results even on days when they aren’t at their best is pretty scary. |
Threats : The ruthlessness of Real Madrid and the brilliance of Barcelona have won them titles for many years. Slip-ups are rare and very uncharacteristic from these seasoned title challengers. |
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A 3 point lead over their rivals may very well be all that is needed for Real Madrid to clinch the title. They are in pole position as of now and it doesn’t look like they are going to give any sort of leeway to their rivals. |
Lionel Messi and Neymar may well be the final jigsaw in the puzzle as the pass masters of Barcelona make a final push for the title. However a shaky defence and an aging midfield might be their undoing. Prediction : Third |
After having nearly left the club in the summer, Diego Costa has been the flag-bearer of sorts of the youthful brigade of Atletico Madrid. Their challenge is a strong one but may lack the legs as involvement in the Champions League may prove to be the deciding factor. Prediction : Runners-up |
La Liga : A comparison of Real Madrid, Barcelona & Atletico Madrid
