The first team to ever break the 90 point mark in Spanish football was the Real Madrid side of Fabio Capello in 1996/1997. This season Barcelona and Real Madrid have both stormed above the landmark with two matches still to play. Some regard it as an astonishing feat, underlining the supreme quality on offer at the two largest clubs on the Iberian peninsula. In many respects they're correct. One quick look at Messi, CR9 and company would confirm that. Others, me included, see it as a sobering judgement on the standard on offer below. Valencia lie third; an incredible 24 points behind Real Madrid, with a side that can count on David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata; all established Spanish internationals. With David Villa set to leave, direction Barca, this chasm is only going to widen. The other teams remotely capable of launching an assault on this duopoly in the past few seasons, Sevilla and Villarreal, have fallen by the wayside after some promising years of growth. The problem, if it can be classed as such, is not going to vanish any time soon.
Perhaps its Atletico Madrids time to make the leap from mid-table obscurity to title challengers. For that to happen it is of tantamount importance that they hold onto Sergio Agüero and Diego Forlán. But with vultures circling overhead, their beaks stuffed with cash, it's a tough ask. Below this 'second tier' there is very little chance of anyone troubling Barca or Real Madrid over ninety minutes, let alone a season. During my time at Xerez I've been impressed by teams like Almeria and Osasuna, but to compete they rely on 'rejects' and home-grown talent that will be shipped on if they're any good. Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao have enjoyed superb seasons, but you doubt whether they'll be able to maintain this form over the course of three or four seasons. It pains me to say it, but the two have overachieved, especially those at the Ono Estadi. That's not to take away from what has been an outstanding season for Gregorio Manzano and his team, it's just I can't see them repeating it next year. I hope they prove me wrong.
Marca reported some interesting stats from across Europe when discussing the matter. How Bayern Munich are on course to win the Bundesliga with 67 points (33 matches). That Inter Milan odds on to win Serie A with 76 points (36 matches). Precisely the two teams preparing to battle it out for Europes biggest prize at the Bernabeu this month. Two leagues many derise as lacking in any serious quality. Surely not the case judging by those stats. In 1999/2000, Deportivo La Coruña stole the title with a measly 69 points. If Barcelona win their remaining two matches, they'll do so with 30 points more on the board. Something rather dramatic has happened in the last decade. A shift of wealth.
You only need to look across at the Premier League to see how this season, a wider spread of available funds (several clubs with tens of millions to spend, not just two) has led to one of the most unpredictable seasons during the Premiership era. Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa will all probably finish above 2005 Champions League winners Liverpool (a team touted as potential challengers last August, whilst Arsenal were still in the running until only a couple weeks ago. All can realistically aim to challenge Chelsea and Man Utds in the coming years. Does Spain really need oil money for that to become a reality in La Liga? Unfortunately it would appear so, but with the presidential systems currently in place at Spanish clubs, it's an unlikely scenario in the immediate future. Until then we'll have to make do with some enthralling tussles between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
You only need to look across at the Premier League to see how this season, a wider spread of available funds (several clubs with tens of millions to spend, not just two) has led to one of the most unpredictable seasons during the Premiership era. Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa will all probably finish above 2005 Champions League winners Liverpool (a team touted as potential challengers last August, whilst Arsenal were still in the running until only a couple weeks ago. All can realistically aim to challenge Chelsea and Man Utds in the coming years. Does Spain really need oil money for that to become a reality in La Liga? Unfortunately it would appear so, but with the presidential systems currently in place at Spanish clubs, it's an unlikely scenario in the immediate future. Until then we'll have to make do with some enthralling tussles between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the matter!