Real Madrid did not have their most impressive campaign but could finish in second place if they win their last league match of the season. Here is what needs to happen for that to happen.
There is no question that Real Madrid’s domestic campaign did not go as planned. Last year, Madrid won the league in epic fashion with several late goals and possessed a squad with a wealth of depth. This season has not produced the same moments nor results.
With a few attacking players out the door, manager Zinedine Zidane had less to work with. Despite all the nuances of the season, somehow, Real Madrid could finish in second place.
The beginning of the season was a mad circus for the club. Los Blancos just came off a two trophy-winning season, asserted their dominance in the Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup thereafter, but stumbled on their way into La Liga. Rival FC Barcelona made sure to take advantage and never seemed looked back. Meanwhile, things were not looking so good for Real as they found themselves sitting in seventh place at times.
Zidane’s system seemed to come alive at the turn of the New Year. Ronaldo started scoring tons of goals, making up for his measly four in the first half of the season. Great performances from unlikely sources such as Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio paid dividends.
Pushing for Second
As of now, this is what the La Liga table looks like:
- Barcelona – 90
- Atletico Madrid – 78
- Real Madrid – 75
Matchday 38 will commence tomorrow and will also mark the end of the 2017-2018 La Liga campaign. Barcelona is, of course, the league title holders and their last fixture is of no consequence to Real.
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In order for Real to leapfrog their city rivals, Atletico would need to lose and Real would have to, of course,` win. If this scenario plays out tomorrow, both teams would be level on points.
The position would then be awarded using the head-to-head rule. Both matches ended in a draw, 0-0 in the first meeting and 1-1 the second.
As a result, neither team takes second place using this rule and it is then referred to the next factor which is goal difference. Currently, Real Madrid has a goal differential of plus 50 whereas Atletico is just plus 36. Therefore, if Real win and Atletico lose tomorrow, Real will have earned a second place finish.
Is it worth it?
While finishing second place sounds better than third, is it really worth it? Real Madrid still has a Champions League Final to play, so logically, it wouldn’t make sense to play a strong starting XI. Additionally, Los Blancos have already secured a Champions League spot for next season, finishing one position higher will be of no gain or loss. Many fans will also say, “no one remembers the second place finisher it’s just about who won.”
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It really comes down to pride and defending the badge. In this instance, it is ending the season on a high note and altering the storyline of a disappointing campaign.
Finishing in second place is surely better than third and shows the grit and determination of Madrid despite their sloppy start.
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