They probably will not win the championship again this year, but Barcelona and Atletico Madrid brought back the great interest that was around them last season and the season is gone for long periods. Diego Simeone’s team has done so thanks to a lot of character they have been lacking in recent months, and Xavi can attribute this to the credit of one of the acquisition players, to whom he owes a debt of gratitude.
Xavi’s Bingo
Barça have worked very hard in the winter transfer window, and if we take the legendary Danny Alves out of the equation for a moment, it can be said that the impression that Adama Traore has left is the best, at least from the attacking players. Many were skeptical when the Wolves winger returned home, but Xavi probably knew very well what he was doing, and with the right guidance from the coach, Adama not only looked like a monster but also functioned in such a way on the pitch.
After in the last two seasons in the Premier League Adama has only cooked twice in 64 games (delusional, but true), in his first two appearances since returning to extreme Catalonia he has cooked the same amount. Against Espanyol he went into the mode of a machine that produces danger and opportunities, when he won the most fights (11), completed the most dribbles (5) and picked up the most (10) in the derby, not to mention the cooking for Luke de Jong, or in his new nickname: “The Savior ”. How unfortunate for Barça that a huge mistake that does not fit these levels on the part of Eric Garcia who is coming back has been absorbed by Raul de Thomas, who himself deserves compliments.
Hermoso, how beautiful
Fans at Wanda Metropolitano certainly do not remember when seven goals were scored in their stadium in one game. After all, the champion is a team of 0: 1 for the most part, or 1: 2, but a quartet is not often conquering, and a trio is certainly not often absorbed. This is exactly what happened against Hattafa, so a pair of Angel Correa (the Colchoneros’ MVP) and a winning goal in the half-number of Mario Hermoso (beautiful in Spanish) allowed the hosts to breathe a sigh of relief.
In the 90th minute: Atletico defeated Hattafa 3: 4
Luis Suarez, who faced Barcelona again reset the target with a goal and a brace, returned to Soro and missed his first penalty in the league since March 2016, after being accurate in each of his last 12 attempts from the penalty spot. Luckily, Atletico did it again in money time, having so far this season collected 15 points from behind (the most) and 12 in the last five minutes (also the most). The character is back, now the stability has to come too, especially of Jan Obelek (what’s happening to him this season?).
Vinicius begins to fear
With one goal in the last two league games, there is no doubt that Karim Benzema is very much missing for Real Madrid’s attack, but at least the expectation is over and he is available again for Carlo Ancelotti. Vinicius Jr., who in front of Villarreal was unable to get into the Frenchman’s big shoes, got into a confrontation with Raul Albiol and in Spain it is said that lately he feels “unprotected”. The Brazilian believes he was caught in at least two serious offenses against the yellow submarine, which received no response from the judges at all. In Spain, as is well known, there are many referees with different and varied views, and like Neymar who suffered quite a bit in this respect in the Spanish league, Satellite also does not have too much to do.
The image of the cycle
The unlucky Ronald Arauho was injured in the Catalan derby, but the fact that he finished his part on the pitch does not mean he finished his part completely. The TV cameras caught the Barça brake teasing the opponent and calling towards her bench: “Come on, go down to the second division”. The Uruguayan managed to apologize for this, and Xavi also apologized and claimed that the emotions affected his player.
The numbers of the cycle, in small
# Luc De Jong’s goal was the last goal to prevent Barça from losing in the 21st century in La Liga (95:41). The Dutchman has scored in four of his last five games for the team and his goals definitely bring points. The Catalans have already scored ten goals with a touchdown this season, the most in Spain and their most since 2016/17, then scoring the same amount, but in 38 rounds.
# Atletico Madrid has conceded 11 goals from the last 14 kicks kicked towards its 2022 league frame.
# Barcelona have not lost in their last 24 derby matches against Espanyol (18 wins and six draws), the longest streak in the history of any derby in Spain (Real Madrid held a 23-game unbeaten streak against Atletico between 2000 and 2013).
# Betis has won nine league games this season by four goals or more, the most in its history. Nabil Fakir is directly involved in 12 goals (six goals and six assists) – his best season in Spain.
Who should you pay attention to?
Everyone definitely notices her because she’s the deputy leader, but nonetheless. After three consecutive draws, Yolan Luftaghi’s Sevilla returned to the track thanks to two goals in the second half against Elche (0: 2). The Andalusians are just four points from Real Madrid and seven points away from third-placed Betis. If at first there was doubt it would work for the long term, 24 rounds into the season the team from southern Spain is strong at the top, and who knows how it will end.
Not giving up: Sevilla broke drought against Elche
Let’s see how much you matter
The latest Pichichi table:
1 – Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, 17
2 – Raul de Thomas, Espanyol, 13
3 – Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid, 12
Eliminated, Alabs, 12
4 – Iago Espas, Salta Vigo, 11
Rape Onal, Hattafa, 11
And for dessert, a quote from the cycle
With all due respect to Xavi who took responsibility and apologized on behalf of Araujo, Raoul Albiol Who was at the center of the storm after hitting Vinicius was justified and returned fire: “If I had really given him a blow, he would not have risen and I am sure he would have bled.”
The Spanish league games are broadcast on Channel ONE for HOT subscribers, yes subscribers, Cellcom TV and Partner TV.