5 reasons why Real Madrid should focus on the Champions League
Real Madrid has gone from heaven to hell and back to heaven in just seven days. Following up their two consecutive defeats in el Clasico…
Real Madrid has gone from heaven to hell and back to heaven in just seven days. Following up their two consecutive defeats in el Clasico and against Sevilla, Ancelottis team beat Borussia Dortmund with a decisive 3-0 in the quarter finals of the Champions League, and have virtually made it to the semis of the competition.
Given this situation, we have identified the five main reasons why Ancelotti should focus Madrid’s energy on the Champions League and forget about La Liga.
1. Ronaldo is out for the match against Real Sociedad
Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo pauses during a Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday April 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Paul White)
The Portuguese ended up asking for a substitution against Borussia Dortmund, and then agreed with Ancelotti to forgo his presence in Anoeta against Real Sociedad. The Basques have already beat Barcelona this year and tied last season against Madrid at their home stadium, so it is perhaps the most difficult match of the seven Real Madrid still has ahead of them in La Liga.
To face it without its biggest star is a statement in itself, and the clearest sign that their focus is in the next –potential– four matches in the Champions League.
2. The difference in La Liga is too much
After losing 6 points in a row, Real Madrid trails Atletico by three points and Barça by two. However, they also have lost the goal-average against both teams, so we should add an extra point to that difference, in case of a tie at the end of the season.
To think that Barça can lose points in at least two games and that Atletico can actually be defeated twice in the next month and a half would not be quite rational, so Real Madrid fans really need to start realizing the league is basically over for them.
SEE ALSO: Ronaldo scores in his 100th Champions League appearance
3. Champions League can make or break a season
Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo, second left, is congratulated by his teammates after scoring his side’s 3rd goal during a Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
Granted Bayern Munich and Barcelona are two very strong teams, but Real Madrid owns a share of the mysticism in the Champions League. It is the team with the most trophies in the history of the tournament and thats a heavy burden for its rivals to manage.
Real Madrid knows that, and will try its best to make it work in their favor knowing full well that winning the Champions League can make the difference between a great season and a disaster.
4. Their style is better suited for shorter timed efforts
Real Madrid has a great squad, and while Ancelotti has tried to focus all season in making his team hold more ball possession and be more aggressive during longer periods of time, the Merengues are built to be lethal in the short distance.
To make the comparison, Real Madrid is more of a sprinter than a marathon runner, and so focusing in just four more games, with one of them practically not even counting anymore after the 3-0 win in Bernabeu, seems a lot more feasible than to win seven matches straight and hoping for Atletico and Barcelona to lose some steam.
SEE ALSO: Real Madrid doesnt need Ronaldo to excel in La Liga
5. Iker Casillas plays in the Champions League
Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas saves a shot during a Group B Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday Oct. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul White)
You can like Casillas more or less, but theres no denying the keeper has a sort of magical touch that makes him be decisive when most needed by his team. While Diego Lopez has had a great season overall in La Liga, he has left a lot to be desired in the big matches the team has faced, and Casillas –on the other hand– has been superb both in the Copa del Rey and in the Champions League.
Having the World Cup winning goalie on your side, is a strong enough reason to believe you can go all the way in a tournament, and at Real Madrid that goalie plays the Champions League and not La Liga.
