The season is not over. Not yet. But it's getting down to it--not literally, but in an overarching sense. Real Madrid and Barcelona are locked in a zero-sum duopoly, with any point dropped by one side is a point gained by the other. With this framework in mind, it's not that hard to see why Real Madrid fans are already panicking.
La Liga 2012, Week 8 Preview And Fixtures: FIFA Virus Could Spell Doom For Real Madrid
Real Madrid trail Barcelona by eight points. No, that’s not a typo. It’s true. And it’s true that this is a zero-sum duopoly, and each point dropped by Madrid is one gained by Barcelona. But with only five weeks of soccer played, is this really the end?
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno - Getty Images
But with the first Clásico around the corner, it’s not as big a deal as people are making it....yet.
Saturday, October 19
Málaga vs. Valladolid
(16:00 CET, 10:00 AM EST)
So it’s finally time to start talking seriously about Málaga: they’re no threat to actually win the Liga, but, even after their financial meltdown this summer, it’s finally safe to consider them top-3 threats. Look out, Valencia: you have some competition.
Pick: 3-1 to Málaga.
Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo
(18:00 CET, 12:00 PM EST)
Madrid will have to go into this matchup very carefully: they’re missing both defensive backs (Marcelo and Arbeloa), and their all-purpose back/defensive midfielder (Fabio Coentrão), and they’ve been notoriously weak on the wings. They’re a little lucky that they drew Celta for this match--Celta is still a pretty weak side--but los blancos are going to be vulnerable, and we could see another early-season shock. All eyes on Madrid.
Pick: 2-1 to Real Madrid.
Valencia vs. Athletic Bilbao
(20:00 CET, 2:00 PM EST)
While the previous match might have the most potential to change the dynamics of the Liga this season, this Valencia-Bilbao might be the match of the week. Los leones have been in a tailspin since the end of last season, but look to be turning things around slightly with the return of Fernando Llorente; Valencia, on the other hand, have remained solidly towards the top of the Liga--but have yet to truly break through. Gentlemen, start your engines.
Pick: 1-2 to Bilbao.
Deportivo vs. FC Barcelona
(22:00 CET, 4:00 PM EST)
The only thing running in Depor’s favor today is Lionel Messi’s possible absence due to his wife’s pregnancy.
Pick: 0-3 to Barça.
Sunday, October 20
Getafe vs. Levante
(12:00 CET, 6:00 AM EST)
You waking up at six for this snoozer?
Pick: 0-0.
Espanyol vs. Rayo Vallecano
(16:00 CET, 10:00 AM EST)
Rayo are not quite the team they were last year--the sort of take-all-comers, we’re-small-but-feisty attitude. They’re still a fun team to watch, but Espanyol is certainly stronger.
Pick: 2-1 to Espanyol.
Granada vs. Zaragoza
(18:00 CET, 12:00 PM EST)
Blegh. Granada is an exciting team to watch, at the very least, and my irrational hatred of Zaragoza is, well, irrational. But still.
Pick: 0-0.
Osasuna vs. Real Betis
(19:50 CET, 1:50 PM EST)
This one has some snooze-fest potential, too: but Betis can be exciting towards the end of games, and I’d snag a Mahou and watch this one.
Pick: 1-2 to Betis.
Real Sociedad vs. Atlético Madrid
(21:30 CET, 3:30 PM EST)
Radamel Falcao is having a great year: he’s blossoming into one of the top few players in the entire world. The more we see of him the better; if only because one day he’ll play on Real Madrid.
Pick: 1-2 to Atleti.
Monday, October 21
Sevilla vs. Mallorca
(21:30 CET, 3:30 PM EST)
Sevilla aren’t quite back to where they were in 2007 or so--the peak of the Juande-style era--but they’re definitely on the right track. Their epic match against Barcelona--Cesc Fabregas flop included--was a high moment for Sevilla, despite the loss: they were fantastic, and outplayed the Blaugrana for most of the
Pick: 2-1 to Geta.
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