La Liga 2021/22 is certainly taking shape – although it’s not necessarily the shape too many predicted at the start of the campaign.
Both Madrid clubs are in the mix at the top end, likewise Sevilla and Real Sociedad who were among the leading lights during the first half of last term too.
Yet conspicuous by their absence are Europa League holders Villarreal, Valencia and, of course, Barcelona.
And, judging by this weekend, their new boss has work to do!
Xavi has a job on his hands
Bringing a club hero will give you plenty of credit in the bank. However, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found out, it can still only take you so far.
Ahead of his scheduled unveiling as boss in the next 24 hours, Barcelona legend Xavi could just be about to find out.
In many ways he can’t lose.
The club is in such dire straits financially that, initially at least, just steadying the ship will be an improvement.
The question is though, if Ronald Koeman – a far more experienced manager at a much higher level – can only do so much in a limited timeframe against such backdrop (he did win the Copa del Rey last term) then why should Xavi be any different?
Perhaps it is club president Joan Laporta’s intention to appoint a fans’ favourite so there is a buffer between him and the angry fans – again, a tactic I think CEO Ed Woodward has employed at Manchester United.
Xavi has signed a contract until 2024 after Qatari club Al Sadd’s release clause was met.
Certainly, judging by the weekend there is much to do.
Goals from Ansu Fati, Sergio Busquets and Memphis Depay had put the visitors in complete control at half-time yet the La Liga highlights were only just beginning.
That’s because Iago Aspas scored twice – including a 96th-minute equaliser – as Celta Vigo produced a sensational comeback to turn the half-time SBOTOP La Liga betting odds on their head.
Nolito had made it 3-2 with 16 minutes remaining and Aspas’ second means it is now four league games without victory for Barcelona.
Last-gasp lapse for Atletico
Back-to-back Champions League defeats to Liverpool, both matches in which they finished with 10 men, may have knocked the stuffing out of some sides.
Not Spanish champions Atletico Madrid with Diego Simeone at the helm.
And so a trip to Valencia, notably a difficult place to visit, appeared to be negotiated with the minimum of fuss by Los Rojiblancos.
After an own goal cancelled out Luis Suarez’s opener, Antoine Griezmann and Sime Vrsaljko netted twice in three minutes to seemingly seal an important victory.
What Simeone then made of two lapses in stoppage time which allowed Hugo Duro to rescue a point for Valencia is probably unprintable.
This will hurt Atletico far more than their European reverses.
As long as there’s Benzema there’s hope
I mentioned at the start of the season that I expected Real Madrid to regain the La Liga title from their city rivals Atletico as long as they kept frontman Karim Benzema fit.
I stand by that prediction – tho hardly rocket science – and it gained further momentum on Saturday night at home to their fellow Madrid-istas, yet comparative minnows, Real Valladolid.
Against opponents full of pride, and in substitute Radamel Falcao a special talent, this was anything but straightforward.
In fact, but for a Toni Kroos goal-line clearance and a fine late save from Thibaut Courtois, Valladolid may have rescued a point.
Yet with Benzema adding to Kroos’ opener, Real had done enough and were not made to pay for their profligacy.
Cadiz may surprise yet again
After a long spell in the purgatory that is the Spanish third division, Cadiz CF is flourishing in La Liga.
The Basque side has one of, if not the smallest budgets in the top flight but is again quietly going about its business, laying a solid foundation to prolong its stay.
Friday night’s win at Athletic Bilbao was certainly impressive and gave them some daylight from the bottom three and the relegation places.
The Andalucians may have struggled in recent weeks but they stamped their mark on the game from the start as Salvi Sanchez pounced on a loose ball inside the box to fire them ahead.
That was enough to earn them only a second league win of the season and, if they can repeat the trick after the international break against rock bottom Getafe, then Cadiz really will have some wriggle room.
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