Rafael Nadal has claimed that La Liga is the best league in the world, suggesting that a thrilling title race between Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid has lent excitement to the final stages. The Spanish tennis legend also declared that since the Spanish teams are succeeding in Europe, it means that the Spanish league has no equal.
Nadal is fresh from ending a four-year wait to win his 9th Monte Carlo Masters title, and will now vie for the Barcelona open. Speaking to the gathered Spanish press after a practice session, Nadal had his say on the thrilling title race in La Liga, saying “I believe it's good that the end of the season is so thrilling. This way everyone talks about the sport and a lot more people are going to enjoy football.”
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Barcelona have suffered a blip to blow their lead atop the Liga table, with Atletico Madrid level with the Catalans on 76 points while Real Madrid are a point behind. Nadal is pleased that Barcelona have lost their lead going into the final stages, saying “When things are already done and settled in the final fixtures of the season, nobody really enjoys it. As always, now it's crunch time for everyone - this is when things are decided.”
Nadal feels La Liga has no equal
La Liga has long been criticized for being a two-team league, with Real Madrid and Barcelona dominating the league for ages. However, Atletico Madrid’s rise under Diego Simeone and the general standard of the top half of Liga teams being raised has resulted in Spanish sides dominating European football in the last few seasons.
Nadal points to this very reason when praising La Liga, saying “At this point of the season there's only one thing clear for everyone - the Spanish Liga is the best league in the world. Yet another time we see two clubs in the semifinals of both the Europa League and the Champions League fighting for the title.”
“We've been hearing for many years that there are other leagues that are stronger, more balanced. Here is your answer.”
Nadal is well supported by the Liga fraternity, with Real Madrid making him an honorary member. Los Blancos even released a statement of support when Nadal was recently plagued by allegations of doping, with Barcelona manager Luis Enrique also pledging his support.
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