SPIRIT IS THE DECISIVE FACTOR
Giving up now would make it very easy for Real Madrid to collapse in the final matches of the season. Conversely, if they maintain their fighting spirit, Carlo Ancelotti's team still has hope of avoiding a trophyless season.
Mbappe (left) needs to be in good form to help Real Madrid in the final sprint.
Photo: AFP
Top-level football is always like that: anything can happen in the crucial final stretch, due to the packed schedule and the constant threat of injury to tired legs. The events of last weekend's La Liga matches clearly demonstrated the importance of focus and fighting spirit. On one hand, Barcelona maintained their four-point lead over Real Madrid primarily thanks to their fighting spirit, as they came from behind to beat Celta Vigo 4-3, despite being 1-3 down after 60 minutes. On the other hand, Real Madrid kept their hopes of catching up with Barcelona alive, also thanks to their fighting spirit until the very last minute. Federico Valverde scored a spectacular goal in the 90+3 minute, the only goal that secured Real Madrid's victory against strong opponents Athletic Bilbao.
This week, Real Madrid plays later, away at Getafe. The pressure on the royal club will be relieved, or increased, depending on the result of Barcelona's earlier match against Mallorca. One thing is certain: the title race is far from over until Real Madrid faces Getafe. And if Real Madrid secures all three points against a Getafe team with virtually nothing left to play for, the title race will largely revolve around the El Clasico clash, just three rounds from the finish line.
In every respect, Getafe has nothing that could possibly put them on par with Real. The only question here is whether Real will lose their form, especially since coach Carlo Ancelotti might field many reserve players to rest them for the Copa del Rey final at the weekend. Of course, Real's reserves (Arda Guler, Endrick, Brahim Diaz, Fran Garcia…) are still far superior to Getafe in terms of quality.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TWO EL C LASSICO MATCHES
As mentioned, the race for the La Liga title this season will largely be decided by the El Clasico (Barcelona - Real) in round 35. But first, the El Clasico will take place this weekend, when Real clashes with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in Seville. This match also signifies "Real chasing Barcelona" in the overall picture of the season. If Real wins, they will avoid ending the season empty-handed and prevent Barcelona from achieving their treble goal.
For Real Madrid, that's four matches in 17 days, starting with their La Liga match against Getafe in round 33 early tomorrow morning. For Barcelona, it's six matches in 18 days. Between these two El Clasico matches in the two domestic leagues, Barcelona also has two Champions League semi-final matches against Inter Milan. It's clear: Barcelona's schedule over the next two weeks is incredibly demanding, and that's a huge advantage for Real Madrid. Real Madrid's hope of catching up with Barcelona just before the end of the La Liga title race isn't impossible. And that's not even considering the major shock for Barcelona, just announced: striker Robert Lewandowski will be out for about three weeks due to injury.
Ultimately, regardless of Ancelotti's future, he must do everything he can to prove himself in these days. On one hand, there are many attractive offers, should Ancelotti leave Real at the end of the season (there have even been rumors in the past few days that Ancelotti could be sacked at any time, due to Real's elimination from the Champions League). Ancelotti needs to win against Barcelona in both El Clasico matches, generally need the Copa del Rey, and maintain hopes of winning La Liga to strengthen his position at the negotiating table. On the other hand, Ancelotti also wants to continue managing Real this summer, at the FIFA Club World Cup. To achieve this, he must, of course, find a way to impress in the upcoming crucial matches. He must do his best to help Real in their last-ditch effort.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/real-madrid-trong-the-con-nuoc-con-tat-18525042221101689.htm
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