With Real Madrid posting a somewhat fortuitous yet epic 3-2 victory against Getafe. Goals from Guti and Gonzalo Higuain kept the pressure on rivals Barcelona whilst also reducing the deficit at the top of La Liga to 3 points, for 24 hours at least. But I ask can Real Madrid usurp their great rivals and ultimately claim the crown of Spanish champions?
With only a handful of games left Real Madrid have closed the gap from a momentous 12 points to a miniscule 3 points. Barcelona have yet to face Sevilla but it will indeed be a tough game for the Blaugrana, and the added element of Madrid hot on their heels will surely increase the pressure on Pep Guardiola's side.
Juande Ramos has taken Madrid’s season by the scruff of the neck and led them on a 17 match unbeaten run. He could also topple one of the greatest Spanish club sides of recent history in doing so. But his team don’t seem to get the credit they are due, with many observers keen to concentrate on Barcelona’s brand of ‘total football’
One important element in Real’s resurgence has been the impact of Higuain. His goals against Malaga and Getafe are proof he is a match winner and real asset to the side. He is taking the chances that are presented to him and is more effective than either Huntelaar or Sneijder.
Alongside Higuain is Arjen Robben who is Real Madrid’s only recognised winger and can unlock defences in the blink of an eye, but his body seems to be made of glass which keeps him out of important games such as the upcoming El Classico fixture. His attitude has also been brought into question by teammates, most notably fellow Dutchman Jan Klass Huntelaar, who commented recently on his greediness and lack of team play.
Lassana Diarra has been a revelation under Ramos, he looks as if he’s played in Madrid all his life while Los Merengues have finally found a player to fill the void of Claude Makelele. His passing, anticipation and work rate have been world class. As many of his fellow peers have stated he is indispensable to the side, and I agree completely.
In addition a special mention must go to Iker Casillas, who is captain in waiting, Mr Real Madrid and one of the worlds very best goalkeepers. He marshals a defence that includes two fullback come wingers, a sometimes rash Pepe, who incidentally was sent off against Getafe for violently lashing out at Javier Casquero, and Fabio Cannavaro, who is nowhere near his World Cup winning best.
With key players in key positions Juande has the team fitter and more motivated than the previous regime, he has stopped the ship from sinking and led them to the brink of what would be an unprecedented achievement. Barcelona have the Copa del Rey to contend with, in addition to the Champions League, whereas Madrid only have to play once a week. The players will be fresh and hungry, and there will be less rotation of the squad, thus the strongest team shall take to the field each week. Can Real Madrid retain their La Liga crown? It is not as improbable as you may think.
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