Spanish Inquisition

With just five games remaining in a thrilling La Liga season, the top three of Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona are separated by a mere four points. The rise and rise of El Atléti has continued to surprise and impress many, but with the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey winners yet to be determined, the eventual league winners may well be dependent on results in other competitions.

Goals from Diego Godín and the hugely impressive Diego Costa saw Simeone’s men open up a three point lead over local rivals Real Madrid with victory over league strugglers Getafe and in doing so, put themselves in control of the title race. The team so often in the shadow of their Madrid counterparts have built a hugely impressive squad under the Argentinian and glance forward in genuine hope to a first league title in nearly 20 years.

At the heart of this success has been the 22 year old Koke. The playmaker has been instrumental to the style of play employed by Simeone, his latest major contribution being am early goal to knock Spanish giants Barcelona out of the Champions League. It comes as no surprise that he has drawn praise from the Spanish maestro, Xavi, as well as some hungry eyes from Premier League suitors. 

Belgian international Thibaut Courtois, spending his third consecutive season on loan from Chelsea at Estadio Vicente Calderón has also shone for Los Rojiblancos. The 21 year old has been a formidable figure between the sticks, keeping an impressive 18 league clean sheets this season.

Leading the line in attack is Diego Costa who has, rightfully so, enjoyed the spotlight of being Atlético’s biggest attacking threat. The Brazilian born forward has muscled himself into comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and with the veteran forward David Villa beside him, looks set for a summer of immense transfer speculation from heavyweights of European football.

It should come as no surprise that these three players in particular have formed the spine of an impressive Atlético team. Praise has been forthcoming from all corners of the footballing world and with the sparkle of players such as Gabi, Turan and Juanfran complimenting this spine, Atlético appear to have finally broken through the barrier of perennial underdogs, joining the elites and posing a genuine threat to the duopoly of Real and Barca.

With such success however comes the burden of extra games, pressure and expectation. The impressive run in the Champions League means that Simeone’s men will have to play at their peak right up until the final whistle of the season, a feat that could prove difficult under the merciless glare of the chasing two.

Read Madrid have been ruthlessly consistent this season across all competitions and find themselves as the closest challengers to Atlético, as well as claiming places in the Champions League final and Copa Del Rey final . With a range of experienced and immensely talented players amongst the ranks, Los Blancos will no doubt feel confident in their ability to use these high pressure games as platforms from which to breed confidence and a sheer winning mentality.

With the two most expensive footballers in world football in their squad, Read Madrid possess the big names for the big situations. In Carlo Ancelotti they have a manager who has further experience of winning titles and European competition. Despite recent relative poor form, the 32 time winners are in pole position to win at least one of three trophies. Victory in this week’s Copa Del Rey final could act as the catalyst for a clean sweep.

Barcelona on the other hand have somewhat stumbled their way in to the position they find themselves in. That is not to say they have been a poor team, nor are they not to be counted as a major footballing force, but there is a certain magic lacking from their performances of late. Perhaps a victim of their own success in recent years, Barcelona arguably must win the cup final this week in order to compel the doubters and believe that they are capable of going on to retain La Liga.

Unlike their rivals, the Catalan giants do not have Champions League football to manoeuvre. In one sense, this allows for greater rest periods and a more focused eye on league proceedings. With the potential momentum and confidence generated from Champions League success however, there can be no doubt that Martino’s men would rather be in the picture than looking at it.

Such is the strength of the three teams that league triumph relies heavily on their fortunes in other competitions. Barcelona face Real Madrid on Wednesday evening in a cup final which could potentially spark a march for the title for each of the teams. With so much at stake, momentum, confidence and pressure will all come in to play in the most exciting Spanish title race in years.

For Barcelona, winning is a must during this period of relative transition. For Atlético, the old adage of winning breeds expectation may be their greatest downfall as they enter unchartered territory. Real Madrid therefore, despite the extra games, are in the best position of the three. With title winners and a balanced blend of experience and youth, success breeding success will be the philosophy from which they look to storm to league stardom, and possibly more.