Super Classico review

The secret is out in the open and Madrid can thank Chelsea and in particular Jose Mourinho for showing light at the end of the tunnel especially after Real's disgraceful performance last week against Getafe. Capello's Madrid did on Sunday night to Barca wht Mourinho's Chelsea did in the champions league clash against the same opponents. The tactics were matched perfectly and Madrid emerged as the worthy winners - but the result hardly did justice to such a quality game.
The game was true to its name Super Classico or Grand classico. Normally, such derbies tend to produce stale affairs due to the expectations of the fans but thankfully this was not case.
It was end to end stuff and more importantly also showed the quality of the next generation - Messi and Robinho put up some brilliant performances.

The game plan used by Madrid was very simple - Do not give time to the Barca players and in particular their attacking players even in the middle of the park. This was amply visible wheneverDinho got the ball he was constantly "heckled" by Raul and Ramos in the left. Similarly, Messi was also constantly pressured by Robinho and Carlos in the right. As a result they were not able to set the tempo and deliver those quality balls to the first third of the field. Madrid shd thank Rijkaard for that first goal- there was absoultely no necessity to replace Rafael Marquez and they paid the price with a poor piece of defending from Thuram. It just meant that Barca had to attack and push their players upfront which inevitably resulted in quick counter-attacks. Robinho, in particular was brilliant in the left side but credit shd also go to Zambrotta for backpedaling and pressuring Robinho throughout the game. It was such a quality battle between Robinho and Zambrotta.

At the other end of the field, a 19 year old was playing one hell of a match. Messi, was such a treat to watch, he embarrased Carlos and then later setup brilliantly Gudjohnsen with a great run down the right. Messi was the only bright spot for Barcelona's attack and he looked the only player capable of creating any goal-scoring opportunities. He has been their best player this season and probably the best right midfielder/forward in La Liga. I just shudder to imagine Messi say 10 years down the line when he should be, as is the case with any athelete, at the peak of his career.
Ronaldinho was again having a forgetful night. Players like Ronaldinho need time on the ball to weave their magic or setup their team-mates so when the opposition quickly closes him down Dinho becomes a different player. Madrid closed in on Dinho and he was almost taken out of the game. Credit should also go to Madrid team as they played very well as a cohesive unit. However, the game would have been different if Messi or Gujohnsen had converted those wonderful opportunities. But, this was one of the nights for Barca where nothing worked right for them- the tactics, attack, defense and luck.

I think this result has thrown the La-Liga wide open. It has provided that vital boost of confidence to the Merenguez. Now Madrid can now look forward to the rest of the season and put some pressure on the reigning La-Liga champions. There was absoultely no question abt the talent in the Real Madrid team it was always the question of confidence, team-work, and tactics. Now, with this win they can kickstart their campaign for the treble glory which is still realistically far far away.

I feel that La-Liga is the most competitive league in the world. Even, technically I guess Serie-A and EPL are far-off from the kind of quality present in La-Liga. A quick glance at the La-Liga table also indicated the kind of competition present in La-Liga. I can think of at least 6 teams (Barca, Athletico Madrid, Real, Valencia, Sevilla, Deportivo La Coruna) currently who are in a good position to win the League. Added to that teams like Villareal and Real Zaragoza are also improving and can catch up with the league leaders with a couple of upset wins.
I think people who believe that EPL is the most competitive league are living in a pipe dream!!!