La Liga
Spanish Feast: Four Weeks of Huge Matches
The next few weeks are set to be season-defining for La Liga’s two biggest clubs. As a matter of fact, for those who follow Spanish football closely, it is arguably the biggest series of matches in the entire year.
Not only are the Spanish giants set to face one another in league competition, but also the Copa del Rey. As a result, many believe the winners of both competitions can be decided within the next month.
Of course, it is entirely possible that that does not happen. In fact, often times in football the most rare and unexpected things can occur. Nevertheless, here are six must see matches on the Iberian Peninsula in the coming weeks.
1. Barcelona vs Real Madrid Leg 1 – Copa del Rey Semi-final – February 6th
The first Clasico since Barcelona’s 5-1 destruction of their eternal rivals back in October sees Los Blancos visit the Camp Nou. This time, the two will meet in the Copa del Rey semi-final in order to face the winner of Real Betis and Valencia.
At the moment, Barcelona are the current reigning champions. Likewise, they have won the tournament more than anyone else (thirty).
However, the Catalans have lost to Madrid the last time they faced their rivals in a two legged semi-final (2012). As well as in the final (2014), with Bale’s famous extra time goal sealing the result.
2. Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid – La Liga – February 9th
Regardless of what happens between now and February 9th, Atletico and Real Madrid will be second and third in the league respectively at kick-off time. Currently, five points separate the two in the table. As a result, a win or loss for either can be decisive in the final analysis.
Furthermore, this will be the first time that former Madrid striker and youth product Alvaro Morata will face his former club since signing for Atletico. Despite there being no expectation of hard feelings, a goal by the 26 year old could quickly change that.
The two sides played to a 0-0 draw in September at the Bernabeu after Atletico beat their neighbours 4-2 on aggregate to lift the European Supercup a month earlier.
3. Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona – La Liga – February 10th
Current La Liga champions Barcelona will visit the San Mames on the 10th to take on Bilbao. Whereas the Basque side find themselves in 12th in the table, some will ask why this is considered a big match.
However, those who regularly watch La Liga will be aware of the danger posed by Los Leones at home. Especially when facing Barcelona.
Despite only winning five games in the league at the time of writing, Gaizka Garitano’s men are fully capable of robbing points from their Catalan visitors. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde will arrive in Bilbao fully prepared to avoid just that in this exciting showdown.
4. Sevilla vs Barcelona – La Liga – February 24th
Although Valverde’s men easily dispatched of Sevilla to progress to the Copa del Rey semi-final, their meeting with Pablo Machín’s Sevilla will be on the road on the 24th. Precisely where they fell 2-0 in the first leg of the same tie, albeit with a second string squad.
Furthermore, the match will take place five days after the first leg of their UCL matchup with Lyon and a mere three days before the second leg of their CDR matchup with bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Accordingly, the depth of the Catalan’s squad will be thoroughly put to the test. Especially in an intimidating environment such as the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. The current champions will have to work hard to avoid dropping points with both Madrid teams on their heels.
5. Real Madrid vs Barcelona Leg 2 – Copa del Rey Semi-final – February 27th
By all means, little can be said about this match until the first leg finishes. For the time being, Madrid can be content with playing the second leg at home. Normally, they consider this an advantage in cup ties.
At the same time, in recent editions the winner of El Clasico seems to often be the visiting team. New coach Santiago Solari will view this tie as a verdict on his ability to win silverware for the club. Similarly, the Argentine knows losing this tie can spell the end for him as coach.
After all, losing to Madrid’s eternal rivals was his predecessor’s final act. In any event, both Solari and Valverde will know the result of the tie can affect morale for the next meeting between the two. Which brings us to..
6. Real Madrid vs Barcelona – La Liga – March 2nd
You’re not reading incorrectly. Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the Santiago Bernabeu twice in five days. Moreover, if the visitors manage to drop points in the league before this match, it will make the game all the more important for everyone involved.
Conversely, if the hosts still find themselves eleven points behind their Catalan rivals, they will be playing solely for pride.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the match on the day, viewers will count themselves fortunate to witness yet another Clasico in such a short time. From the vantage point of the whites, they will count themselves fortunate to be playing at home.
Summary
As can be seen, in four weeks the final results of Spain’s two biggest competitions will be at worst clearer and at best, decided. For the managers and players, this is the most important series of matches out of the whole year.
To further complicate matters, both clubs will be competing in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the same time. With squad rotation, fatigue, experience and a little bit of luck being the key, only the best will lift silverware in the end.
For fans of Spanish football and its big two, it doesn’t get better than this.
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
