Barcelona
may have crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in a rather
humiliating fashion, but if this week has proved anything, it's that the
grass is not always greener on the other side. After all, no matter how
"badly" you feel the season has gone for FC Barcelona, it's been far
worse for Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid.
Just a year after setting a record for points gained in a single La
Liga season, Los Blancos fell out of the title race early, and never
looked like recovering. Victories over the Blaugrana in the Supercopa de
Espana, and in the Copa del Rey in particular appeared to demonstrate
Real's undoubted ability - but ultimately, Real Madrid have failed on
each and every front this season. Their club captain has been alienated,
their manager has caused rifts at virtually every level - and thanks to
Atletico Madrid and Miranda's extra-time winner, Real will finish the
season without a major trophy. All the while, Barcelona edge closer to
equalling that 100-point mark set just last season. So much for a
disappointing season eh?
Even
in the face of illness, injuries and morale-crushing defeats, Barcelona
have consistently bounced back from every single challenge and may yet
register the most successful La Liga campaign in their history. Sure, we
would have loved to have contested the UCL final at Wembley, but
really, who can complain? If anything we should be grateful for this
team - and the worrying thing for the rest of La Liga is that Barcelona
can and almost certainly will improve over the summer. A new striker to
take some of the pressure off of Lionel Messi,
and an elite centre-half to help solve the Blaugrana's defensive
troubles. Will they move one step closer to the century mark, or will Valladolid end Barca's hopes of a 100 point season?
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