Are Real Madrid now the real force in Spain?

Following Real Madrid’s convincing domination of La Liga this season, decorated with a win against their personal, political and national rivals at their home ground, are we witnessing the rise of the 20th century’s greatest team back to glory days? Is this the season that will be remembered as the collapse of the Blaugrana? Is it the mark of a new reign in Spain?

Jose Mourinho’s revival of madridistas glory days, combined with Pep Guardiola’s resigning as coach of Barcelona, had brought forward fresh suspicions that Barcelona may not be able to hold their European dominance for much longer. Mourinho has maintained his record of silverware in both seasons he has been in charge of Madrid, so with the Copa Del Rey and La Liga now won, the hunt for La Decima- Madrid’s tenth triumph in Europe, will obviously be top of Mourinho’s priority list. But with Bayern Munich only just stealing Madrid’s La Decima on penalties, can anyone realistically stop the Spanish giants in their next campaign?

Barcelona have celebrated various successes over the past 5 years, including three la liga titles, two champions leagues and various others. However, with Barca’s defence ageing and their manager resigning, a new reign could very much be moving in. Eric Abidal is still fighting health problems, followed by Carlos Puyol entering his final years, as well as undergoing knee surgery soon, the renowned Catalan defence could be in jeopardy.

Secondly, Pep Guardiola has celebrated massive successes during his time at Barcelona, more shocking the fact that he came up without any managerial experience and was unknown to many. Yet he came frustratingly close to emulating the success of his former, losing out to a trophy hungry Madrid who showed a new hunger, discipline and organisation to beat Barca in the clasico that ultimately determined the league winner.

However, with Guardiola now gone, his successor Tito Villanova following in his footsteps, lacking any managerial experience and unknown to the world, the odds are far from in his favour to replicate Peps success. Whereas Guardiola was given a young squad full of stars, Villanova is faced with a team full of ‘has beens’. On top of this, he faces a motivated, hungry and world class Madrid team, now with the new found knowledge of how to beat Barca and win the league. Honestly, what has been a disappointing season this year, would be a job well done for Villanova against this Madrid side.

Although a fully fit and peak form Barca side would have the ability to match and possibly beat Madrid on a good day, with David Villa still injured, Pedro’s worrying dip in form and Messi being relied on for practically all of Barca’s goals – statistics show Barcelona would be in sixth position without Messi, whereas Real Madrid would still be first without Ronaldo’s  goals, Barcelona’s situation looks worrying. Madrid boast a stronger squad, a younger squad and a more determined squad when compared to Barcelona, hence Barcelona continuing to dominate Europe is very hard to imagine indeed.

Mourinho promised success and he stuck to his word, with two trophies in two years. So, what does next season have in store? Well one can only dream of the possibilities with a manager and squad of such calibre. Further success seems certain. But will this lead to the downfall of a force such as Barcelona? Only time will tell but if you ask me, I wouldn’t bet against it.

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