We most definitely did not have any big fixture that involved any of LaLiga’s top sides bar the game involving Diego Simeone’s Athletico Madrid and Pepe Bordala’s Valencia which was nothing short of dramatic.
There surely would be no need to jump the gun as we most definitely will get enough time to talk about this game.
Without further ado, let’s head straight to the match review, starting off with the team at the top of the helm.
REAL MADRID:
Carlos Ancelotti’s men failed to extend their top-of-the-table over Pablo Sanz’s 2nd placed Sevilla to 6 points after they played out a 2 all draw against Cop dey Rey opponents, Elche.
However, just like with Sevilla, the majority of us will believe Real actually won a point as opposed to losing 2 points in a game they had to fight back from 2 nil down to 2 all draw.
Having wrestled to a hard-fought win over Elche in the Copa del Rey tie a couple of days ago, Real were expectant that Elche brings their all to the table, as to which the latter did not disappoint, going 2 nil up after a rare penalty kick miss from the prolific French forward, Karim Benzema.
But just like the Copa del Rey tie between both sides, the “never give up” attitude, characteristic of past Real sides won the day as late goals from a Luka Modric converted penalty kick and Eder Militao ensured both teams had their fair share of the spoil.
BARCELONA:
Xavi Hernadez and his men continued their march for a top 4 finish as they claimed a well deserved in a keenly contested 1 nil victory over Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Deportivo Alaves thanks to an 87th-minute Frenkie de Jong’s goal.
Coming off consecutive extra-time defeats, first to bitter rivals, Real Madrid, in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, and then dreaded Copa dey Rey opponent, Athletico Bilbao in the Cup tie, a win was definitely needed to ease the pressure on Xavi Hernadez and his team.
Inasmuch as a victory would help ease the pressure on them and give them something to build upon, the victory propelled them closer to the top four and eased the gap between them and league leaders, with just a point separating them and 4th placed Atletico Madrid, having been way off track in the early stages of the season
ATHLETICO MADRID:
Having only won 1 out of their last 6 LaLiga games, a home win against a Rayo Vallecano side who have been on an abysmal away run, all hell seemed loose on Diego Simeone and his men after going 2 behind before eventually staging a dramatic comeback that saw them defeat Valencia by 3 goals to 2.
Atletico Madrid’s poor recent run of form has seen their chances of defending the LaLiga title which they hold currently, impossible as they sit a massive 18 points behind league leaders and city rivals, Real Madrid before this game.
Things even looked set to go worse when Pepe Bondales’ resilient Valencia side got a 2 nil advantage at halftime.
But just as we were about to give up, myself included, the Athletico Madrid we knew showed up as Matheus Cunha, Angel Correa, and Mario Hermoso all got on the scoresheet, with the last 2 goals coming at 90+1 minutes and 90+3 minutes respectively.
But just as we were about to give up, myself included, the Athletico Madrid we knew showed up as Matheus Cunha, Angel Correa, and Mario Hermoso all got on the scoresheet, with the last 2 goals coming at 90+1 minutes and 90+3 minutes respectively.
CONCLUSION:
But just as we were about to give up, myself included, the Athletico Madrid we knew showed up as Matheus Cunha, Angel Correa, and Mario Hermoso all got on the scoresheet, with the last 2 goals coming at 90+1 minutes and 90+3 minutes respectively.
Real Madrid on the other hand can only sulk at their inability to extend the point gap between they and 2nd placed Sevilla, but an immense show of character and perseverance should provide a propelling effect in their quest to claim their second LaLiga title in the last 3 years and a second silverware this season.
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