It is the halfway point in
the La Liga season which
makes it the perfect point
to reflect on the campaign
so far, one in which all
three title contenders
have endured slip-ups
although current leaders Real Madrid look like
they are in an extremely strong position now.
Carlo Ancelotti's men sit one point clear of
Barcelona and four points ahead of Atletico
having played a game less than either both of
their rivals. It is little wonder then that Los
Blancos are offered at just 4/11 (1.36) by
William Hill to win their 33rd La Liga title.
Their game in hand on the other two is coming up
next Wednesday at home to Sevilla and while it
is a tough clash against a side who are in
excellent form and sitting fourth in the table,
should Madrid beat the Andalusians those odds
would surely tumble further.
The title race is far from over though, it would
be unrealistic to explect the European champions
not to drop any more point this season, so the
questions remains, when they do can the other
two capitalize?
Madrid still have to visit the Camp Nou (at the
end of March) and the Vicente Calderon (at the
start of Febuary).
While Barcelona have not been at their best this
season they seem to be on an upward trajectory
followin their defeat at Real Sociedad at the
start of the month and there win over Atletico a
couple of weeks ago means that the mini head-
to-head standings between these three clubs is
wide open; Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid,
Real Madrid beat Barcelona, Barcelona beat
Ateltico Madrid.
Los Blancos are of course the most likely side to
be crowned champions (16 of the 20 times they
have been leading at the halfway point they have
won the title) and yet the title race is still wide
open.
To that end there will be some punters who will
be highly tempted by the price William Hill's
prce of 5/2 (3.50) for Barca to regain the title,
but surely the better value has to be Atletico
Madrid at what looks like a generous 20/1
(21.00).
The defending champions still have to play both
of their rivals at home, where they are supremely
strong. If they win both of those matches they
will be in with a chance and the price offered at
the moment will be cut to shreds.