Following Real Madrid’s comprehensive 4-1 victory away to Athletic Bilbao, murmurings in the Spanish press about the Merengues’ resurgence have given way to sweeping proclamations that the Spanish giant — on current form anyway — is now the favorite to win La Liga. ESPN Soccernet’s Phil Ball says the Spanish dailies, La Marca included, are now waving the Madrid jersey loud and proud after the local boys recorded what was by far the most convincing display of the victorious top three this weekend.
It was Real’s fifth win in six games — the best record of any team in the league recently — and while Barcelona and Sevilla kept their places this weekend, the stop-start form of both clubs has left critics wondering if either one is organized enough to produce a consistent run-in for the final six games of the season. As Spain coach Luis Aragones said in an obvious jibe at Barcelona’s current form, “He who comes in strongest at the end usually wins.”
For the second consecutive home match, Barca looked unconvincing. Samuel Eto’o bumbled one home in the 28th minute, but both he and fellow striker Leo Messi missed several (better) chances after that. Real, meanwhile, scored four beautiful team goals, and defended much more capably than they’ve looked in the past. The return of David Beckham has been another plus for the Merengues; suddenly they look dangerous on set pieces again. It would be a shame if Madrid fails to overturn the yellow card wrongly issued to him this weekend, because then he’ll be suspended for Sunday’s crucial clash against second- place Sevilla.