| The Spanish Championship started right off the bat The top division of Spanish football - for example - has in recent years consistently been considered the most spectacular of the national championships of European countries. They have always strived to play attacking football for the fans, understanding that financial well-being depends directly on the number of people in the stands of the stadiums. The Spaniards, as you know, have a very strong emotional and creative beginning, unlike, for example, the Italians, who also do not hide their emotions, but more often listen to the voice of logic, which is reflected in calcio. That is why Serie A consists mainly of football players who adhere to rigid tactical schemes, while players prone to improvisation go to the Pyrenees.
But despite the difference in mentality, the football of Spain and Italy is now a related business, the laws of which subjugate any spectacle. It was precisely because of financial troubles - disagreements between rich and poor clubs over deductions from the amount of the television contract - that the start almost failed, examples of which happened last year in Serie A. However, at the last moment a compromise was found. The owner of the rights to broadcast the championship, the Sogecable company, found an additional 9 million euros, which nine outsiders insisted on, including Celta and Mallorca, who joined them. As a result, the amount paid by television for showing the Spanish championship increased to 93 million euros.
The championship began on time, and the favorites in it are traditionally considered to be Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Deportivo and the team - a surprise from the previous season - Real-Sociedad.
The “royal” club did not regret 35 million for David Beckham and once again put into practice the motto of its president Florentino Perez “Every year according to a star.” However, the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, who replaced Del Bosque, faces a difficult task - to build the team's defensive play. After all, Madrid was left by the “piano draggers” Claude Makelele, who went to Chelsea after the club’s management refused to increase his salary, and Flavio Conceicao, who was sold to Borussia Dortmund. And attempts to acquire the Argentine Ayala and the German Metzelder to strengthen the defense ended in failure. And if in the opening match with Betis the Madrid team had practically no problems, then already in the second round they barely escaped defeat in the meeting with Villarreal.
By the way, it is Benito Floro’s team that can become the discovery of the current championship. At least Villarreal has selected qualified players, which is just the trio of Sonya Anderson, Jose Mari and Juan Riquelme.
Barcelona, again betting on Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard, has high hopes for Brazilian Ronaldinho. The purchase of this player was a response to Real's move, which took Beckham away from under the noses of the Catalans. And judging by his first steps at the new club, Ronaldinho has everything to become a cult figure in Barcelona.
Valencia, Deportivo and Real Sociedad cannot boast of high-profile acquisitions. However, with the exception of the departure of top scorer Roy Makai from Depor, the three candidates for the highest championship award have no serious losses. Their squads are stable, no one questions the coaching qualifications of Rafa Benitez, Javier Irureta and Reynold Denuex, which allows their clubs to be included among the favorites.
Another team that has consistently been at the top of the league table in recent years is Celta Vigo. This year, the team, where the Russian Alexander Mostovoy is considered the recognized leader, is fighting on two fronts for the first time in history - the domestic championship and the Champions League. How this will affect its results is difficult to predict. And much here will depend on the team's newcomer Savo Milosevic, who is called upon to become the leader in the attack. Over all these years, Celta has never had a striking forward, which makes life significantly more difficult for the club from Vigo.
Spanish Championship. 2nd round. Barcelona - Sevilla - 1:1, Villarreal - Real Madrid - 1:1, Real Sociedad - Celta - 1:1, Osasuna - Valencia " -- 0:1. Denis VDOVIN |
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