Mid-season La Liga title race review: Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid

1. FC Barcelona

The current league leaders are on 49 points, the same as Atletico Madrid but take the edge over goal difference. Having suffered just one defeat this season, the defending La Liga champions are currently the front runners to win the title again this season. A few nervy wins over Valencia and Sevilla proved to be a breather for new boss Tata Martino, who has been under criticism for straying away from the usual style of play followed by Barcelona and applying a more intense and direct approach in the final third. The draw against Osasuna was unexpected, as it provided some space and time for Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid to catch up with the league leaders.

The season, until now, was highlighted by star frontman Lionel Messi, whose injury and 2 months on the sidelines raised questions as to whether Barcelona can retain the top spot or not. Two months on, Lionel Messi is scheduled to return in this week’s cup game against Getafe, and Barcelona are still the league leaders. There were injuries to Jordi Alba, Victor Valdes and Cristian Tello as well.

All the players have fully recovered now. There has been some inspiring performances from Marc Bartra, who is being groomed to fill Puyol’s spot. The current Catalan club’s top scorers this season are Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez. With their current form, and the return of Lionel Messi, the Catalan giants surely look unstoppable for now.

Tops and Flops

The form of Sanchez, Neymar and Pedro have been beyond excellent this season, leaving no room for doubt that Barcelona are not dependent on Messi anymore. With Messi slated to return, it will be interesting to see who makes way for the 4 time Ballon d’Or winner in the starting XI.

Alex Song has had a bad season, with him being publically criticized by gaffer Martino, for not being sharp in his passing and squandering possession. In defence, Puyol has been conspicuous with his absence even after a full recovery, thus raising speculation that he may hang his boots at the end of the season. Victor Valdes has had a terrific season until now, resulting in many raised eyebrows among his rumored suitors.

Transfer Rumours

Victor Valdes to AS Monaco, Javier Mascherano to SSC Napoli, Alex Song to Inter Milan, Pedro to Manchester United

Overall Rating: 9/10

2. Atletico Madrid

The Los Rojiblancos stand second in La Liga, equal in points with leaders Barcelona, but second in terms of goal difference. They’ve had an outstanding season so far, which was unexpected by many after the sale of star itman Radamel Falcao to AS Monaco. They started their season with a 3-1 victory at Sevilla, but drew 1-1 against Barcelona in the Super Cup de Espana, which Barcelona eventually went on to win.

Diego Costa, their in form forward was a major reason for their success, who in total has netted 19 goals this season, and stands second in the goal scoring charts. Some amazing performances by Koke, Gabi and Courtois have also been a reason for the South Madrid club’s success. Of late, the Vincente Calderon has been unsettled as their striker Diego Costa and midfielder Koke have been linked to various premier league clubs, with Manchester Untied rumoured to be having concrete interest in the latter.

Nevertheless, Diego Simeone’s men are doing extremely well this season, and have given Barcelona a run for their money for the coveted La Liga title this season. With a match against Barcelona at home approaching in the coming days, its outcome will be able to give some more clarity and definition as to who will stand out as the champion this season.

Tops and Flops

Diego Costa and Koke have stood out among their team-mates this season with some thrilling displays, thus raising the bar higher for their team-mates. New signing Toby Alderweireld has impressed in defence too in the few games that he has played. Thibaut Courtois is at his impressive best, leading the clean sheet charts in Spain with 8 clean sheets so far.

Transfer Rumours

Diego Costa to Borussia Dortmund, Koke to Manchester United, Thibaut Courtois to Arsenal

Overall Rating: 9/10

3. Real Madrid

Real Madrid have had more of a calm season, with one of the most expensive lineups in football history sitting third in La Liga, 5 points away from the joint League leaders. They have won 14 La Liga fixtures this season out of the 18 they have played, but cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to be in the race for the crown.

With record signing Gareth Bale joining the Los Blancos, it was expected that Real Madrid would be unstoppable and terrifying, which didn’t happen earlier in the season. The much hyped El Clasico derby resulted in a 2-1 win towards the Catalans with Bale’s dismal performance on the pitch raising some eyebrows. However, Bale has managed to pick up, with 7 goals and 7 assists in 8 starts so far.

Their season started with very strong rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to return to Manchester United, but all was put to rest when he signed a new contract. Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa caused an upset for the Bernabeu crowd, after his first half strike emerged as the lone goal of the game, giving Atletico Madrid a much needed win against their cross-town rivals.

Defensive problems emerged in the team, but Ancelotti considered his forwards to compensate for any losses. Karim Benzema’s abysmal form this season, as well as veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso’s injury have been some of the other major happenings in the Madrid dressing room this season. With Alonso now fully recovered, and his contract nearing its end, it has been reported that he has been offered by Madrid to both Manchester City and Manchester United, in the current January transfer window. Khedira, Morata and Di Maria have also been linked with moves away from the Bernabeu.

Tops and Flops

Benzema has been unexpectedly below par this season, with him attracting whistles and boos from his own supporters. However, Bale seems to have picked up the pace and is contributing increasingly in every game. Ronaldo looks set for his second Ballon D’ Or with some amazing displays and goals. Midfielder Khedira suffered an injury during the international break, leaving Illaramendi and Casemiro to deputize for him, with Xabi Alonso restricted to limited appearances.

Isco, particularly has done well in his debut season with the Los Blancos, scoring six good goals this season. Sergio Ramos has not quite impressed in defense, by increasing his career red cards to 18, thus getting some stick from his own coach as well as supporters. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez is gradually impressing of late, unlike current No. 1 Iker Casillas, who is the man between the sticks in the UCL games and is performing exceedingly well in every game.

Transfer Rumours

Iker Casillas to Arsenal, Pepe to Manchester City, Khedira to Chelsea, Angel Di Maria to AS Monaco, Alvaro Morata to Arsenal

Overall Rating: 8/10