La Liga, Week 17: Madrid let in three with Iker on the bench

A very even first half ended 0-0 without too many major events. Neither goalkeeper was forced into a difficult save, as both teams defended very well. Madrid suffered a bit of a defensive breakdown just after halftime when they let Isco turn into a dangerous spot off of a pass by Joaquin, before he fired a shot into the net at the near post to put his side ahead.

Antonio Adan probably never dreamed that his opportunity to start for Real Madrid, as their true first choice goalkeeper, could have ever come so soon. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. local time, 2 p.m. ET from La Rosaleda and the game can be seen on beIN Sport in the United States.

There’s no question this is the “must watch” of this week’s La Liga schedule. If you don’t watch any other games from the league, make some time for this one.

An interesting note for US fans. With Malaga’s captain Weligton suspended, Oguchi Onweyu is expected to start in his place.

Yes, I am categorizing this post; I’m trying a new thing this week where I spend the most time previewing/reviewing the good games, and expend less energy on the ones I don’t like. We’ll see how it pays off.

Admittedly, I’m writing this while Atleti take on Celta; but if this result holds, it will be important because it will see Atleti fall farther back off the pace, closer towards Madrid and company. It will also be remarkable because of how many times Atleti could have won but didn’t--this is a phrase I haven’t used about them this year very much, which seems to go against everything I have every known.