A LOOK AT LA LIGA
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Rob Palmer
Friday, 16 April 2021, 17:57
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A Clásico that lived up to the spectacular billing and a Champions League date with Liverpool which was as workmanlike as it needed to be. Zinedine Zidane has mastered the art of management again.
Let's be truthful, the Real Madrid team is held together by a midfield that many would have pensioned off years ago and no longer can they boast a Galáctico. Even the warrior-like skipper Sergio Ramos is missing. Zidane has needed to mend and make do.
Earlier in the season his club had been written off domestically and in Europe. Shakhtar Donetsk did the double in the Champions League and Alcoyano killed the giants in the Copa del Rey. The Liga campaign was damaged by poor results against Levante, Cadiz and Alavés.
The man who led Madrid to three Champions League titles and last season's Spanish crown was on the brink according to the Spanish media. Luckily the club held their nerve and didn't panic. They learnt from what happened when he stepped aside last time.
It could be argued that he was let down by his players - a bunch of Big Time Charlies. This may be true but now the big games are stacking up, the Charlies are displaying their charms. These are footballing heavyweights who took a few bruises against the lesser sparring partners; when they get in the ring with those of a similar stature the class kicks in.
The season could have been over in a week. It turns out it has been ignited by three incredibly important victories. First they preyed on Liverpool's inadequacies to win the home leg of the Champions League quarter final. Next they went toe to toe with Barcelona. It was a humdinger of a Clásico with all of the elements. A red card, chances galore, an opportunity for Barça to equalise in the final minutes. When the dust settled it was Real who had the resolve to win the game and take second place in the table.
To complete the week, it was a visit to Anfield. Zidane oversaw another tactical masterclass. It was conservative without being defensive. Liverpool were held to a nil-nil draw. An instantly forgettable game at a stadium renowned for famous European evenings. Job done! Now he heads into the final straight with a bunch of players who have been down this road so many times and emerged with medals to show for the journey.
Zizou's clearly assessed the situation and found a formula, indeed several formulas to make things happen. He cuts a quiet figure on the touchline and there are very few, if any, memorable quotes from Zidane the manager. He is the exact opposite of his stylish playing persona but he's amassing just as many medals as a coach as he did as a player.
Next, it's Chelsea. There will be trepidation in one of the changing rooms and it won't be one where Spanish is the prominent language.
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