Don’t overreact to Real Madrid going top of the league
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid managed to squeak by Real Valladolid on Sunday night in La Liga, vaulting them to the top of the league through 21 matches. While it’s nice to sit in the poll position in January, there is still plenty of time left this season.
“It changes nothing to be leaders, they are three important points but nothing more. There are a lot of league games left and it will be difficult for all teams, including us.” This was the resonating quote from Zinedine Zidane’s post-match press conference at the Estadio José Zorrilla last night.
After FC Barcelona slipped up against Valencia on Saturday falling 2-0, Real Madrid didn’t play their best match of the season by any means, but picked up all three points and a clean sheet while also leap-frogging Barca to go top of the table.
Yes, it is nice to be back at the top of Spain’s premier league – it has been 100 days since Real was last in this position – but there is so much time left it is nearly meaningless to discuss.
Zidane’s squad has just one loss thus far in La Liga and that was likely due to a lack of focus. Real Madrid had no business losing to recently promoted RCD Mallorca in October, but the combination of Thibaut Courtois’ struggles at the time and the lack of a reliable goalscorer cost them the match.
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Taking part in three competitions now – the league, Champions League, and Copa del Rey – every member of the first team squad needs to play their part. Whether that be in training, coming on as a substitute, or starting in the important matches, no player should be left out of Zidane’s plans.
There is very little time to enjoy the victory over Valladolid as Real will turn its focus to Real Zaragoza and the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night. This will be the club’s third consecutive road match and it will be no easy task despite the opponent being in the lower league.
The Madrid Derby looms large as well and Real Madrid would love nothing more than to solidify their hold at the top of La Liga while also adding more misery to their crosstown rival’s trying campaign.
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If Real can continue to get goals from a cast of characters and the defense continues to keep clean sheets like they have in the last couple of months – eight shutouts in the last 11 matches – this could be one of the most historic seasons in the club’s history.
For now Madridistas, keep your head down, don’t gloat about being in first place in January, just support the biggest and best club in the world and continue to enjoy this amazing stretch.