La Liga Thread

[The Big Drog 1,110]

A stunning result for Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Having pegged Madrid's lead back to just 4 points, Barcelona would have been confident that they could cut it to 1 with Madrid still having to play at the Camp Nou but Madrid played a near perfect game. Their midfield left little space in front of the back four to exploit, Ozil, Di Maria and Benzema worked tirelessly and the Madrid backline were fluid in their movement, with either Pepe or Ramos being allowed to step into the midfield and challenge the loan central Barcelona player dropping deep (often Messi), Alonso's shielding role in particular was expertly done.

Barcelona failed to create many great chances. When they did create their finishing was poor (Xavi and Tello). The big problem in the first half and early in the second half was simply that there was nobody to occupy the Madrid backline. That usually isn't a problem where Barcelona are concerned because Sanchez or Fabregas are often in the side making diagonal runs in behind the backline but they didn't have that tonight, it made it far easier for Madrid's backline and midfield to press higher and engage the Barcelona midfield higher up the pitch than perhaps they have done in recent Clasico's.

Full credit to Madrid though, their counter attacks were swift and very well done. The winning goal was delightful, an inch perfect pass from Ozil (my pick for MOTM) and the finish of a man with the world of confidence from Ronaldo, also Ronaldo's celebration did make me laugh, imo, the best player in the world.

Im delighted Madrid have all but secured the league. They deserve it, over the course of the season they have been the better team, the football they've played has been breathtaking at times and they fully deserve their moment. A tonne of credit must go to Jose Mourinho, he was charged with the mammoth task of overtaking, arguably, the greatest team the world has ever seen, he has accomplished that task, the cherry on the cake beating Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

[Jase 43,479]

First win for Mourinho in 10 visits to the Camp Nou and this is arguably his most comfortable match up there.

On Barcelona, they just don't look interested at all. Maybe they are just tired but they were so flat that it was as if they had conceded the title and just conserving their energy ahead of the 2nd leg!

[nullabletype 987]

[Justin_3d 1,140]

When I saw the lineup of Barcelona I said to myself, Pep is giving up on the league and saving his energy for Tuesday.

But he still had Messi, Xavi and Iniesta....but the problem with these 3 is that they seemed to have been overworked. There is no real replacement for them like there is no real replacement for us with Mata....

That being said CL is going to be the last card for Barcelona, so it's going to be more tougher then before. They got nothing left to play like us...well if you count FA cup, and top 4th place, but not as important as CL or a league.

Barcelon is finishing an amazing cycle. Just like United when they won so many league tittles back to back, and stutter at the end with Carlo Chelsea...only to come back up.

[NiclasCFC 2,582]

I missed the start of the game and one of my friends told me the pre match Anthem was stunning, somebody got a video of it?

[Nero 1,847]

[Sheva. 5,373]

Sevilla fans protesting against Barca and Real Madrid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwD3lnhV-k8&feature=player_embedded

[James 5,215]

Chelsea thanked by Espanyol.

http://twitpic.com/9etpv8

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

[Jase 43,479]

Congrats to Madrid & Mourinho for winning the La Liga yesterday. Jose is the first manager to win the Top 3 European Leagues.

[kiaretta985 131]

lol, Madrid players can't toss their manager properly...

At least Ramos didn't drop him...

[Madmax 9,219]

Guardiola's last home game in charge of Barcelona is winding to an end. Legend. Respect.

[Jase 43,479]

Villarreal sit just a point above the relegation zone with 1 game left. It would be a travesty if they were to get relegated.

[capriccioso 2,545]

La Liga set to overtake the Premiership on the UEFA Coefficient ranking:

http://kassiesa.home.xs4all.nl/bert/uefa/data/method4/crank2012.html

[Jase 43,479]

Mauricio Pellegrino(Rafa's former assistant) will be the new Valencia manager next season with Emery leaving at the end of this season and is said to be taking over Spartak Moscow!

It would be tough for Pellegrino to replicate Emery's achievements in La Liga of consistenly finishing 3rd every season.

[capriccioso 2,545]

I, for one, welcome our new Spanish overlords.

[Jase 43,479]

Villarreal have been relegated! Tragic.

[Alfp26 59]

Villarreal was very very unlucky, more or less like Man United today. They were 0-0 and Rayo Vallecano had to win Granada and Atletico de Madrid score against them to get relegated. Falcao scored in the 88' in Villarreal and Tamudo in the 92nd minute for Rayo Vallecano!!! And Villarreal's president was a bit like this: If Falcao hadn't score, Granada would have been relegated. Levante ended in the same position as Chelsea and qualifies for Europa League!