A Tough Looking La-Liga

This might be too early to say, but have to admit that this year's La-Liga is looking far more tougher than it looked in many previous seasons. Especially a look into the table after the completion of six matches would give the name of genuine title contenders. Valencia leads the pack with Villareal following them closely. The big power house of Spanish league - Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are lying in fifth and fourth positions respectively. Maybe six matches would be a pretty early to say about how the League table would end up this season; but this time everyone have a feeling of seeing a pretty tough chase to the top. FC Barcelona showed their class in destroying Atletico Madrid at home. But then last year also they destroyed the same opposition but ended up losing the league by a whoping margin; actually ended up third in the league. We will only get a clear picture after the first leg matches of all the big teams are completed.

The best part of this season's results is the resurgence of Valencia. After Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, Valencia has been the most recognisable team in the whole La liga. But last season was sort of nightmarish; but they look genuine title contenders and are deservingly at the top of the table. Real Madrid has been a bit shaky, but then last two seasons they followed a similiar pattern to success. Sevilla looks solid so does Villareal. FC Barcelona is showing signs of a resurgence but the fans have not yet taken it completely as they had similiar experience in last season. The other teams which makes up the top ten are Alemria, Atletico Madrid, Getafe, Espanyol and Deportivo. Out of these Atletico looks a genuine title contender to me even after their 6-1 defeat to FC Barcelona. The others, especially the likes of Espanyol and Getafe will play a crucial part in deciding the title holdes with their impecable Home records. For all the La Liga fans this looks like a greta season ahead.

Barca vs Athletico Pictures

FC Barcelona Player Rating against Athletico Madrid

Valdes - 7 - Had nothing to do through out the match apart from conceding that great goal from Maxi Rodriguez. Did well to dent Ujfelusi's header.

Puyol - 7.5 - Marshalled his boys well. Controlled them. Did well to cover Marquez once when his header went backwards with Aguero looming in the area. Did well in attack also.

Marquez - 8 - After two poor matches this one was a revelation. Scored the first goal with a great header. kept Aguero quiet for almost all the night.

Pique - 7 - Was solid through out the match.

Abidal - 7 - Did exceptionally well compared to his past performance. was so assuring in defense and it is good to see he coming back to form.

Xavi - 9 - For me the man of today's match. Had a part to play in every Goal. Won challenges, organised attack, controlled midfield. You can't ask for more than this, but we will still isn't it? There were chanting of his name in the stadium and got a well deserved standing ovation when replaced.

Busquests - 7 - Did well through out the match. Was solely responsible for the Goal but he is still learning his trade and he is going to become huge.

Gudjonsen - 8 - Great night for the Icelander. He was picked ahead of Keita and justified his selection. Scored one goal and had one shot going wide and another saved by Copuet. Got his team mates to press the defense up front.

Messi - 8.5 - Another excellent night, he is getting back to his normal role pretty soon. Was active throughout the match.

Eto - 8 - Great night. Did well in the third goal and was a constant threat, It is proven that Henry needs to play second fiddle to him.

Iniesta - 9 - What a match from this "Little Man". He is becoming my favourite footabller. The wood wrok denied him twice. Was a constant threat.

Substitutes:

Henry - 7.5 - Did well in the 6th minute. There was a sense of purpose in his stride and has to be said that he is unlucky that Eto is playing too well and he has to start from the bench. Iniesta is organising the left side so well that Guardiola will not take him off from that position.

Bojan - 7 - Played a part in Henry's Goal.

Keita - 6- Didn't get too much time.