Amongst the outstanding battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid who resumed their exclusive rivalry, there were lengthy winning streaks, extraordinary runs of both good and bad form, and as always, the arrival and confirmation of new stars that are set to light up European football for years to come.
The La Liga season was very much a tale of two-halves as the Catalonian giants came home strong to re-claim the La Liga title.
Barca reign supreme in 2015
After a disappointing 2013-2014 season where the title was lost on the last day to Atletico Madrid, there were questions surrounding what would be different this year with Barcelona and whether or not they would be able to challenge for the crown.
Following the acquisitions of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos (and having a fully-fit Gareth Bale), many thought Real Madrid were destined to dethrone cross-town rivals Atleticoas La Liga champions.
Fresh off winning a European title, Real started the season in fine form and on the back of a 12-game winning run, leaving Barca on the ropes and new manager Luis Enrique seemingly battling for his job among rumours of discontent among players, or more importantly, the worlds best player Lionel Messi.
However, a remarkable run from January until May saw Barca turn around a three game deficit and play some of the most dominant football the world has ever seen.
Of the greatest attacking forces in football history, it is hard to argue with the Messi, Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto’o combination. Or perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale and Karim Benzema. Even Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez. Right now it would have to be said that what Luis Suarez, Neymar and Messi have managed to do since coming together late October following the Uruguyan’s return from a suspension received at the World Cup for biting is phenomenal.
Suarez was the Premier Leagues best striker last season.before injuring his back at the World Cup, Ne.ymar was on his way to being the best player at the tournament. Then there is ‘the Little Master’. Messi won player of the tournament award, guided his team to the final and despite being pipped for 2014 Ballon d’or, is without doubt the best player in the world (or this galaxy).
The trio smashed home goal after goal on a way to re-claiming the La Liga title and ensured Barcelona are back on top of the Spanish football tree.
https://youtu.be/g16drPwUe9g
Valencia are coming
After years wrestling themselves from debt and having to sell off their star players, including World Cup winners David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata for over AU$150million, the club could be forgiven for having a few lean years and falling back to the pack permanently, with teams who faced similar times such as Sevilla.
But not Valencia.
The combination of an extremely profitable youth system, a focus on free-flowing attacking football, and some extremely astute signings has taken Valencia back to the upper echelons of Spanish football. Are they as good as Barca and Real? No. Are they as good as the Atletico of 2013-2014? No. But they are coming, and they are a team of players who are unafraid of the limelight.
The downside to most great seasons from breakout players at Valencia is that struggling European heavyweights target their players as they see them as easy-pickings, with the promise of more money and chance to play with world stars appears to have greater pull. Manchester United certainly feel that way with Nicholas Otamendi.
Jose Gaya has had a breakout season. but there is the feeling that new investment has given Valencia an air of confidence and the capacity to turn down offers in favour of building a team that with the right coaching, can deliver something special.
2015-2016 will tell us if Nuno’s men are ready to take the next step.
Ancelotti’s Madrid is Perez’s Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti is not the reason Real Madrid lost the league. Injuries to Luka Modric and Toni Kroos’ outstanding 2014 season were bound to catch up with the Galacticos, particularly as Kroos played deep into the European season and then winning the world Cup.
When it all caught up to Real, it was clear they needed their talisman Ronaldo to carry them, but he was strangely ineffectual throughout January and February, certainly by the superstar’s lofty standards.
[interaction id=”5565f9d928430a5757e67ead”]
With Bale unable to find his place in the team, Iker Casillas continuing his career decline and the continued appearance of Sergio Ramos in midfield, Madrid was just not in a position to compete with the steam train that is Barcelona.
But Perez sacking Ancelotti is not the answer. Ancelotti is a manager capable of managing superstars. Madrid is a team of superstars. The next manager (if infact it is Rafa Benitez) needs to be able to manage many different personalities and most importantly, get the most out of signings like Bale because without him firing, this team is going to be fantastic, but remain Perez’s Madrid and a step below their Catalan rivals.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
