Havana, January 16 (RHC) – Barcelona overcame Racing Santander’s resistance and advanced in the Copa del Rey, while Real Madrid prepares to receive boos at their home of the Santiago Bernabéu.
Although today’s news should focus on Barça’s strong performance, which secured a 2-0 victory over Santander with goals from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s troubles are drawing considerable attention.
After the so-called “Albacetazo,” the unexpected 3-2 defeat against a second-division team like Albacete, the players’ credibility has been shattered amid months of criticism regarding their lack of commitment to the game and their perceived neglect of physical conditioning.
With coach Xabi Alonso sacked last Monday, his replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, couldn’t have had a worse start, although all eyes are on Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
Therefore, Saturday’s match against Levante at the Bernabéu has a very likely outcome: boos from the fans directed at the VIP box (the board led by Florentino) and the players.
Of course, this is football, and a dominant performance with goals would change the perception, though not for long. Next Tuesday, they face Monaco in the Champions League, also at the Bernabéu.
The defeat of Real Madrid against Barcelona in the Super Cup and their elimination in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey leaves them little room to win any titles in the competition. A sword of Damocles hangs over Arbeloa.
Barcelona, on the other hand, enjoys a four-point lead in La Liga over Real Madrid and faces Real Sociedad on Sunday, a dangerous club still recovering from a poor start to the season.
Then they play Slavia Prague in the Champions League, practically guaranteeing them four consecutive victories.
Needing to regain their form, Atlético Madrid faces the tough Alavés side in the domestic league, and then takes on Turkish side Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Outside the Champions League, and with some unexpected results, Villarreal will have a rather difficult opponent in Real Betis, as both teams battle to finish in the top five.
At the moment, the Yellow Submarine is in better form, while Betis is still waiting to recover key players who are out for the Africa Cup of Nations.
