Is Real Madrid the Spanish League Favorite?
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid each lost big points on Sunday and have allowed Real Madrid to pull within in one point of the Spanish League lead.
After Real Madrid took home a 5-0 win on Saturday, the team wound up with 50 points; at that point they were tied with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for the league lead. However, the two teams would have a chance to reassert their three-point lead on Sunday after drawing 0-0 a week ago in Madrid.
Atletico Madrid faced off against Sevilla and looked ready to take three points after a goal from David Villa. However, the game ended 1-1 and Atletico was only able to take a one-point lead on Madrid.
Barcelona looked to be the team ready to seize control of the title in its tilt with Levante, but Los Cules were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw that saw one goal from Gerard Pique.
At the end of match day 20, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid finished with 51 points while Madrid is now back in contention with 50.
While any team can seize control with a poor run from its immediate opponents, it is clear that the momentum is on Real Madrid's side. Carlo Ancelotti's side has finally found its rhythm and the coach has finally figured out his midfield which now consists of a steady presence from Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric. Meanwhile, the strike force of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale is clicking on all cylinders. Ronaldo continues to score at a premium and even set up Alvaro Morata for a fifth goal on an accidental bicycle kick pass that wound up being a beautiful assist even if it was intended to be a shot.
Few expected Atletico Madrid to keep pace throughout the whole year and it seems that Diego Simeone's offense is drying up. As for Barcelona, Lionel Messi has been a huge improvement, but the absence of Neymar was apparent in the 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Who will win the Spanish League in 2013-14?
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