In Spain, the first division league was dominated by the two of the biggest club in Europe throughout the last decade. Barcelona and Real Madrid dominated the La Liga in Spain until last season, when the underdogs Atletico Madrid clinched the title in dramatic fashion. It was highly unlikely result given the fire power that was possessed by the likes of Barcelona and Real. Many believed that Atletico was the team of the year last season. Their resilience and team work outshined their major rivals and beat them to the domestic crown. As heartbreaking as it was for Real and Barca, the triumph of Atletico was very refreshing to witness after years of relentless domination by the big two. Barcelona, who unlike Real had a slim chance of winning the title till their last match against Atletico themselves, had they won it, could only muster a draw. It was a very well fought season between the top three, which is a rare occurrence.
Three way battle for La Liga 2014-2015
This season portrays a very different look though. The defending Champions have lost quite a few of their important players in the summer’s transfer window. The likes of Diego Costa, Thiabaut Courtois, Felipe Luis and Thiago Mendes are all gone. They will miss the star power of these players and especially Costa who was their top scorer last season. Barcelona has also lost Alexis Sanchez and Fabregas to Arsenal and Chelsea respectively but has signed some very talented players in Ter Stegan, Luis Saurez and Rakitic. Barca’s mid field looks a very impressive one with the right amount of balance. The front line consists of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Saurez when he will return to action. After a dismal couple of years for the Barcelona side, they will be looking to hit hard this season with a formidable squad.
On the other hand, the reigning European champions have had a mixed last season. They lost the race to the domestic league behind Atletico and Barca, but won the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. With big budget in the transfer market, they have signed the World Cup sensation James Rodriguez for a $63 million and also Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich. Real has lost two of their most important players in Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria. With their departure there will be extra pressure on Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema to perform even better.
With all the fire power in all the three teams, the fans will be in for another dramatic season in the La Liga this year too. The transfer of key players from the Atletico side may well come and hurt them when the league comes down to the individual brilliance of certain players. Real has Ronaldo, Barca will count on Messi to provide them with the killer blow. Though Atletico’s real strength was their team work all the time, they will need some more ammunition to outperform their peers this season.
Tags: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Champions League, Chelsea, Copa del Rey, Diego Costa, Fabregas, Felipe Luis, Football, La Liga, Real Madrid, Spain, Thiabaut Courtois, Thiago Mendes
