Momentum is the key word in this entry because it is crucial in giving teams that extra push over the finish line, or in some cases its can be that slippery slope towards an end to a promising season. This past weekend we have two examples of what momentum can do to a team's aspirations, in England Manchester City's dreams are all but dead thanks to Arteta,( Arsenal fans will have great pleasure in putting the nail in Nasri's title) aspirations, while Manchester United took another step in retaining their crown that surely will theirs in May. My focus however, is not in the race in England (more on that in another post) but rather in the events that took place in Spain this weekend.
In February Madrid had a 10 point lead over Barcelona, and it appeared that they had finally broken Barca's domestic dominance to claim their first title since May 2008 (they still might). Barca where going through their most difficult period, and that was highlighted in their 3-2 defeat at Osasuna, after which Guardiola claimed that league was lost. A loss of form and the incredible points accumulated up by their rivals, it seemed a true statement. But what intrigued me and something that journalist Guillem Balague touched this weekend on twitter, was that Guardiola claiming the league was lost gave Barcelona time to focus on going back to basics in terms of work off the ball (pressing) work on the ball (attacking well which leads to defending well), more importantly (if you believe mind games work) it devalued Madrid's 10 point lead. It meant that since Barca were no longer playing for the league anymore, Madrid's wins would be taken for granted and lifts pressure off Barcelona while handing the initiative to Madrid.
What has happened since then? Barca have won 9 straight matches, Messi has been insatiable in deciding games and Madrid have dropped 6 points with three draws. I believe that having a 10 point lead with months to go in the league is very dangerous, because subconsciously Madrid dropped their level and gives way for margins for error, therefore the intense level that Madrid had leading up in gaining that considerable advantage drops. How is that reflected? Chances that would usually be converted in ruthless fashion are not, players don't press as much as before, games that would be killed off tend to drag and then you get hit with sucker punches, e.g Malaga 90 min, and Villarreal 82 min. While draws are not bad at all, it is energy sapping when you have been controlling the game and creating numerous chances. And with in an environment where draws are seen as defeats and refereeing decisions are scrutinized, it leads to enormous pressure.
Madrid are still favorites and if they remain calm they should win the title. However, momentum is important and Barcelona is on a streak, no pressure in the sense that Guardiola still insists that the league is "hard" to win. Once you factor in Barcelona playing 24 hours before Madrid tomorrow against Getafe, a win would take them provisionally 1 point behind Madrid. It would be interesting to see how Madrid handle this psychological pressure against Atletico, a rival they have pummeled for 12 years in a row.
Fasten your seat belts for the 21st of April, the season just got interesting.
Goal of the week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAipvfzh4IA
Still fresh in my mind, incredible!
Bossman.
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