Close Race for La Liga Giants

 

Prior to last weekend's La Liga action Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid were all tied for first place in the top Spanish League.  Much to the good fortune of Real Madrid, two upsets resulted in Los Blancos taking the top of the table.  Now with the three biggest teams in Spain being separated by only three points, this weekend's Madrid Derby is sure to be at the center of this dramatic race.  Though Barcelona also plays this weekend, they play a bottom of the table team and a win should not be difficult for the Catalan side.

This weekend's Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is sure to be a thriller.  The match will take place this Sunday at 11AM ET.  This match is especially important for Real, who sit ahead of their cross-town rivals by three points.  Though Real are favored in this match, Atletico is guaranteed to be a formidable opponent.  When the two sides met earlier this season Atletico surprised Real by beating them at the Santiago Bernabeu after Diego Costa netted the sole goal of the match in the eleventh minute.  This was the first derby win for Atletico in league play since 1999.  Though both teams participated in the Champions League Round of 16, a week's rest is sure to help the home Atletico side.  Real Madrid defeated FC Schalke on Wednesday 6-1, but this low time of rest could have an effect on this weekend's match.

Real Madrid has been in very impressive form lately having not lost any of their past five league fixtures, and winning four of those five.  This form is sure to carry over to this weekend's match at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.  Even if Atletico do manage to defeat the current league leaders, it is doubtful that they will take the top of the table.  With both Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead on goal differential, it is almost certain that one Atletico will not lead the league at the end of the weekend.  If Costa and company do defeat Real Madrid, a three way tie would again be very likely.  

Strategically Sunday's match will be very interesting as far as seeing who Real Manager Carlo Ancelotti selects for his side.  After a very eventful game on Wednesday in which Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Christiano Ronaldo each scored two goals, there are sure to be some tired legs.  One strength of the Real Madrid side is the depth of lineup that they will be able to choose from for this weekend.  Without currently having any players out with injury, Ancelotti will have his pick of talented players as they head to Atletico.  Atletico however will not give Los Blancos an easy time with many stars of their own including David Villa, Diego Costa, and Arda Turan.  Expect a very exciting match on Sunday, and an exciting title race to come!