(image credit: livetipsportal.com)
This season, we have seen domestic competitions like the
Barclays Premier League go down to the wire with the winner being decided on
the last day of the season. In similar fashion, one of the biggest leagues of
the world, La Liga (LIGA BBVA), sees the top two teams, Barcelona and Atletico
Madrid go head to head for 90 minutes in the quest to clinch the title and its
happening tonight at the Camp Nou!
This is more than just a title decider. One the one hand,
Barcelona want to retain their league title and their supremacy while Atletico
are looking for their second title after an 18 year wait. This will give Atletico
the momentum going into the UEFA Champions League final against derby rivals
Real Madrid in Lisbon on the 24th of May.
Barcelona may look the stronger side on paper, but face a
stiff opposition in a team that knocked them out of the Champions League in the
quarter-finals earlier this year. At the same time Barcelona has had one of
their roughest seasons. The Spanish giants had to cope with the loss of former
beloved manager Tito Vilanova, UEFA sanctions and Argentine sensation Lionel
Messi’s mixed form, among other issues. Messi, arguably the best player in the
world, recently signed a lucrative contract extension making him the highest
paid footballer in the world overtaking Real Madrid’s Portugese icon Cristiano
Ronaldo.
Fortunately for the Catalans, the UEFA sanctions prohibiting
them from transfer business for the next two windows have been suspended. Since
this is the only title silverware left to fight for, they will be looking to
attack the Atletico defence, retain the title and wrap up their relatively
turbulent season with a celebration.
Atletico, on the other hand, can win the title even with a
draw as they are three points ahead of the defending champions. Barcelona would
equal on points with a win, but will lift the title based on relatively better
head-to-head record as well as goal difference.
Barcelona’s 36-year-old long-serving defender Carles Puyol
will not be part of the historic match ending his 15 year association with the
club as the season wraps up. However, after being sidelined due to injuries, their
talented Brazilian forward Neymar, defenders Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are
expected to return to the starting line-up.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone is fortunate to have his
strongest offence, Diego Costa, back after nursing a hamstring strain. He would
be the key to breaking down the rejuvenated Barca defence. Simeone knows by
winning tonight, they would be the first club to break the two horse title race
between Real Madrid and Barcelona dominating Spanish football for years.
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