Two-Horse Race. So?

That the Primera division is almost documented to be a two horse race does not take the shine off it. In fact, it makes it all the more interesting. Although it must be said that the exit of the best three strikers in the league after Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi makes it uglier, with Radamel Falcao having gone to Monaco, Alvaro Negredo to Manchester City and Roberto Soldado to Tottenham Hotspurs. Still, the best players in the planet ply their trade in the la Liga, not least the El Classico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Of most interest would be to see how both teams with new managers and a couple of interesting signings will slug it out for the league title. That there is no clear favourite leaves a lot to be seen. To this effect, we would give a close look at both teams to give us an idea of where the trophy will be heading. In no particular order:

Real Madrid

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

Star Players: Christiano Ronaldo Aviero, Mesut Ozil

One to watch: Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez “Isco”, Asier Illaramendi, Alvaro Morata

Strength: a renowned experienced manager with excellent man management skill, improved wing backs, recent El Classico dominance.

Weaknesses: pressure of expectation, only one recognised striker and occasional rift between players and seemingly la decimal (a tenth UCL title) obsession.

Advice: Manage the ego of the players and be mindful of the press

 Barcelona

Manager: Gerardo Martino

Star Player: Lionel Andres Messi, Andres Iniesta

Players to watch: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, Christian Tello

Strenght: Neymar to relieve Lionel Messi of scoring burden, defending champion status and a more health-stable manager

Weaknesses: shaky defence, untested manager in Europe

Advice: Keep the team shape and style (there’s no point changing the most dominant style ever) and get at least one decent central defender.

Note: The above analysis was done as at August 16, 2013 and is subject to changes according to further transaction made by clubs in the remaining 17 days of the summer transfer window as well as that of winter.

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