License and Registration: La Liga 2021-2022

[Zososoxfan]

Going to try another La Liga thread since there's more to the league than just @bosox4283 's beloved Atleti and the farcical Barcelona.

Interesting article came out recently that La Liga is selling a 10% stake to PE firm CVC:

Spain's top soccer clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona would get lucrative cash infusions under a proposed 2.7 billion euros ($3.2 billion) deal between the country's top league and a private equity firm.

The deal sparked a bout of transfer speculation in local media, including that it could help finance eyecatching moves such as top France striker Kylian Mbappe joining Real Madrid, though La Liga said the funds would mostly be for investment purposes to which it would have to agree.

La Liga said on Wednesday it had agreed in principle a "multipronged" deal with CVC including the 2.7 billion euros cash infusion in return for 10% of its revenue, as well as the creation of a newly formed company housing a range of commercial activities in which CVC would also take a 10% stake.

The deal values La Liga at around 24.2 billion euros in total and, if approved, will fund what it called "structural improvements" while offsetting some of the immediate impact from COVID-19, the league said in a statement.

I think Barca is done buying at the moment (would still love a true DMF to spell Busi) but they still need some cash in order to register their recent buys. If this leads to Real nabbing Mbappe, I'll be terrified.

The top 4 all did some interesting transfer business. Atleti was the quietest, but still made waves by signing 28 year-old Udinese CMF De Paul for €38M. As an Argentina fan, I cannot say enough how awesome De Paul is. He's the quintessential B2B MF that does everything pretty well. He's the kind of player the best clubs have to allow for all the other stars and specialists to thrive. Excellent business by Cholo and Atleti. Atleti's squad is young enough that they should be competitive in all 3 competitions without any additional transfers in.

Broke-ass Real Madrid also had a quiet window with the biggest change letting Ramos go to PSG for free and buying Alaba from Bayern. While I really like Alaba, Ramos was the heart and soul of this aging team and I think Madrid takes a huge step back this year barring Mbappe arriving. Lots of Madrid's best and most-used players are on or close to the wrong side of 30 (Casemiro, Benz, Modric, Kroos, Hazard, Bale, Isco, Vazquez, Nacho, Carvajal) and while there's some real talented youth in the squad it's not the can't miss variety (Valverde, Mendy, Odegaard, Vinicius, Militao, Asensio, Rodrygo). I've been saying the age of this squad will be a problem for the past 2 seasons and I think the cracks started to show finally last year--this year it will be more akin to Barca's breakdown of the past 2 seasons--i.e. worse!

Other broke-ass megaclub Barca finally has adults in charge and the transfer business this summer reflects that, although there were a couple of transfers that reflect the club's piss-poor financial situation. The club brought in two potential starters in Memphis and Emerson at CF and RB respectively. That alone would've made for a positive window. But the club also brought in Messi Argentina buddy Aguero to backup Memphis and give Koeman another veteran option up top to center Barca's bevy of wingers. Eric Garcia's acquisition from Citeh is a nice move too, but likely one with an eye towards the future as I think Araujo, Mingueza, Lenglet, and Pique will be hard to unseat. The transfers out have been welcome, although the club sold young players instead of overpaid stars. Trincao is on loan to Wolves, Alena has moved to Getafe permanently for €5M, Firpo was sold to Leeds for €15M (outstanding business, even if it's a loss), and Todibo was sold to Nice for €8.5M (this one hurts). The club still has a bloated squad and will have lots of expensive players on the bench for every match, even if one or two of the big 3 of bad contracts (Griezmann, Dembele, Coutinho) is moved.

Sevilla are likely losing world class CB Kounde to Chelsea for a hefty sum, but bring in world class shithouser Erik Lamela from Spurs in exchange for promising youngster Bryan Gil + €25M. They've also brought in veteran keeper Dmitrovic from Eibar.

Sociedad and Villareal may have an outside shot at breaking into top 4, but will likely be battling it out with Betis and Celta for Europa spots. Don't know much about Granada or Bilbao's situation. The rest are packed fairly close together and should make the fight to avoid relegation pretty fun on a weekly basis.

 

[Titans Bastard]

A cash infusion for the top Spanish clubs!

I'm sure they'll use it to pay down debts and put their club on firmer financial footing.

 

[Zososoxfan]

The RFEF (Spanish FA) declared the CVC deal illegal:

The Royal Spanish Football Federation has had the opportunity to examine before tomorrow's Assembly and with a margin of only 48 hours the documentation provided - we do not know if it is complete - by the LNFP which structures the operation intended by the latter and CVC. This operation, carried out without the slightest publicity and competition in the selection of the winning bidder, has two parts: the one related to the commercialisation of the audiovisual rights, on the one hand; and the rest of the LNFP's businesses, which make up a heterogeneous group, on the other.

As regards the agreements between the LNFP and CVC related to the audiovisual rights of clubs and sports limited companies, the RFEF must express its opposition. Not only for legal reasons, which will undoubtedly generate numerous disputes arising from the agreement and may call into question its very viability, given that it is intended to force some legal institutions to the extreme; but also for economic reasons, given that the rights of clubs and SADs are heavily taxed for the next fifty years in exchange for an insignificant amount of money. But the most important thing is that the agreement increases inequality and makes a reasonable evolution of the format of the professional football competition in Spain impossible in a capital and definitive way, so that in practice and in application of the agreement, the competition is petrified without the possibility of evolution or can only be modified when a third party outside the sporting structure decides or agrees to do so, which flagrantly violates the law and the European sporting model. Furthermore, it forgets the clubs that play in non-professional competitions which, at the time of their promotion to professional competition, will see their income reduced by CVC's remuneration, without having obtained any benefit from that entity's contribution.

If there are clubs that, with their inalienable and unavailable rights for third parties, want to get into debt voluntarily, there is no problem for them to do so, whether the conditions are considered market or usurious, but not through an illegal agreement that binds everyone, through the false attribution in favour of the LNFP of rights that it does not possess. Moreover, we see it as not very rigorous and opportunistic to try to cross the boundaries of the law to reach an economic agreement that is disastrous and regrettable for the future of all Spanish football, but fantastic for a fund and other possible beneficiaries.

The RFEF must also warn that it is not going to allow a reduction in the contribution to modest football that comes from these audiovisual rights for the next fifty years. Royal Decree-Law 5/2015 established a centralised commercialisation model that was very beneficial for the LNFP, establishing controls and mandatory contributions for certain purposes. If the LNFP now intends to bypass the controls and reduce the contributions that the Royal Decree-Law obliges it to make, the RFEF will be forced to take the appropriate legal action to defend its rights and those of non-professional football. At this point, it is worth remembering that the Consejo Superior de Deportes would be in the same situation as the RFEF.

As regards the rest of the LNFP's business, the RFEF merely states that it is intended to create a new corporate structure, the sole purpose of which is that the President of the LNFP will become the President of the new entity, receiving in addition new emoluments for this and evading the already few controls that are now imposed on him.

In short, analysing the operation from a fifty-year perspective, which is the one envisaged by the LNFP and CVC, as well as its contents, we must conclude that it goes beyond what could be understood as the commercialisation of audiovisual rights, to which the League's powers are limited, and could irreversibly affect the future of the competition.

The RFEF, being aware of the various complaints and comments made by various First and Second Division clubs, has communicated its firm opposition to this agreement by means of a burofax sent to the LNFP.

https://www.rfef.es/noticias/rfef-considera-totalmente-ilegal-acuerdo-cvc-lnfp

Apparently other clubs besides just Barca (and Real potentially) are having trouble complying with the wage requirements of La Liga, meaning they can't register their players. Javier Tebas (leader of the La Liga entity) is not looking too good right now.

 

[candylandriots]

The RFEF (Spanish FA) declared the CVC deal illegal:



https://www.rfef.es/noticias/rfef-considera-totalmente-ilegal-acuerdo-cvc-lnfp

Apparently other clubs besides just Barca (and Real potentially) are having trouble complying with the wage requirements of La Liga, meaning they can't register their players. Javier Tebas (leader of the La Liga entity) is not looking too good right now.

Yeah that makes a very good point about promotion/relegation with respect to future revenues vs. the up-front payment. Interesting - thanks for posting.

 

[67YAZ]

Yeah that makes a very good point about promotion/relegation with respect to future revenues vs. the up-front payment. Interesting - thanks for posting.

I read some place - maybe the Ringer? Can’t keep track - that La Liga pulled in $6b in revenue for 2019-2020, which included the end of season COVID losses. So even figuring another somewhat down year in 21-22 and the loss of Messi…CVC makes their initial investment back in 6 years. The next 44 and the 10% in La Liga media co are just gravy. Or rather, just more equity to leverage for further investment.

Edit: this piece pegs Liga revenues at €5.3b in 19-20. Anyone with a stake in La Liga should be fighting tooth and nail to get the hell out of the CVC deal.

 

[candylandriots]

I read some place - maybe the Ringer? Can’t keep track - that La Liga pulled in $6b in revenue for 2019-2020, which included the end of season COVID losses. So even figuring another somewhat down year in 21-22 and the loss of Messi…CVC makes their initial investment back in 6 years. The next 44 and the 10% in La Liga media co are just gravy. Or rather, just more equity to leverage for further investment.

One thing that isn’t clear to me about the revenue figures and what CVC was to receive is whether it includes club revenue or if it’s only collective revenue that is divided - mainly the TV rights. I imagine there is some League revenue in a ticket sold, but I would consider that to be primarily team revenue. What about beer or chorizo at the stadium? A kit?

 

[67YAZ]

One thing that isn’t clear to me about the revenue figures and what CVC was to receive is whether it includes club revenue or if it’s only collective revenue that is divided - mainly the TV rights. I imagine there is some League revenue in a ticket sold, but I would consider that to be primarily team revenue. What about beer or chorizo at the stadium? A kit?

Ive been trying to piece this together, too. We probably won’t actually know the details of the deal unless this goes to court and the contracts get included in the filings. But one place noted that some of the $3.2b Investment is in the form of loans, so every new revelation just makes things seem so much worse for La Liga.

 

[OCST]

Well played on the thread title

 

[Conigliaro's Potential]

Well played on the thread title

I concur - kudos.

 

[tmracht]

I was about to say the same thing but Messi left so now I don't want to play along and be the third banana.

 

[bosox4283]

La Liga approves the deal, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and second-division Real Oviedo* opposing it.

*The majority shareholder of Real Oviedo is Carlos Slim's son-in-law. I also own four shares.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I'm reading there was a concession which allows individual clubs to essentially opt out of the deal altogether. I assume Real and Barca will do that.

 

[Snedds]

I'm reading there was a concession which allows individual clubs to essentially opt out of the deal altogether. I assume Real and Barca will do that.

View: https://twitter.com/tariqpanja/status/1425872686417330186

 

[bosox4283]

A few random notes before the season begins this weekend:
- Real Madrid apparently are on the verge of selling Odegaard with Arsenal the likely destination.
- Atletico were moving on signing Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina, but the Spurs seem to be now the most likely to land him.

I really don't know what to expect this season. Real Madrid will be strong, as always, but it is not clear to me how the team will perform without Ramos and what sort of impact Ancelotti will have. In addition, Real Madrid will need some of the younger players to take a step forward, especially as some of the stalwarts are aging. While there's a chance that Barcelona can find a balance without Messi, the team is immediately less intimidating without him and needs to replace something like 30 goals/assists. Atletico need to maintain the level of excellence after a strenuous and challenging year. The team is young, except Luis Suarez, so my only concern is keeping up the goal-scoring for another year.

 

[Zososoxfan]

If Varane does move onto MANU (I thought this was already completed, but apparently not), then I think Madrid and Barca potentially finish behind both Atleti and Sevilla. If Varane leaves, Real's starting CBs are likely Alaba and...Militao? Nacho?? Moreover, both Mendy and Carvajal are listed as injured. So, Marcelo, Odriozola, and Vallejo might actually see the field? All of that is mostly bad. Casemiro, Valverde, Benz, Kroos, and Modric will keep Madrid from falling too far, but that's not a league-winning side. Hazard playing at all could be a big lift.

Even if Barca can't register Memphis right away, I like their squad more than Madrid's. However, I think Ancelloti is a much better manager than Koeman--although Koeman did seem to figure things out there for a bit in the middle of last season.

 

[bosox4283]

For what it's worth, in ESPN, both Sid Lowe and Marsden picked Barcelona to win the league. Maybe they did so that I would direct you all to read their article?

I can envision Barcelona winning La Liga or finishing sixth. A team with so many fantastic players could get into a rhythm and really make a run -- Pedri, Ansu Fait, Jordi Alba, Griezmann, Dembele, Busquets, DeJong, Depay/Aguero, Ter Stegen, Pique, etc. can be a very strong team. But if the team gets into a rut or the older guys get old fast, I'm not sure who is going to pull them out of a slump without Messi there to carry them.

 

[bosox4283]

If there were doubts if Barcelona or Real Madrid will have to go through a period of adjustment, the first week suggested that there may not be such a period. Both teams looked absolutely fine, and maybe even very good. Personally, I was hoping both would somewhat shaky, but neither team looked that way.

Does Benzema get the credit he deserves? I just looked on Wikipedia that he's now top-10 for most appearances and will likely end up as fifth or sixth all time. And he's now fifth for all-time goals with 281 and has a chance to catch Raul, who is second with 323.

 

[67YAZ]

Does Benzema get the credit he deserves? I just looked on Wikipedia that he's now top-10 for most appearances and will likely end up as fifth or sixth all time. And he's now fifth for all-time goals with 281 and has a chance to catch Raul, who is second with 323.

no, he doesn’t, especially when you consider how many years he spent tailoring his game time let Ronaldo do Ronaldo. That’s not easy. But Benzema seems like a piece of shit, so it’s hard to feel bad for him.

 

[sodenj5]

If there were doubts if Barcelona or Real Madrid will have to go through a period of adjustment, the first week suggested that there may not be such a period. Both teams looked absolutely fine, and maybe even very good. Personally, I was hoping both would somewhat shaky, but neither team looked that way.

Does Benzema get the credit he deserves? I just looked on Wikipedia that he's now top-10 for most appearances and will likely end up as fifth or sixth all time. And he's now fifth for all-time goals with 281 and has a chance to catch Raul, who is second with 323.

Benzema is a Madrid legend. A rare, true center forward. The guy did so much of the dirty work in the UCL 3 peat years to allow Ronaldo and Bale to shine. Once Ronaldo left, he took on the burden of scoring the goals and the man has been one of the best strikers in the world for the last few years.

He’s creeping up on some very big lists. He’s 5th in UCL career goals. Tied with Raul and 2 behind Robert Lewandowski. He could wind up third all time on that list. Messi and Ronaldo are miles apart from everyone else.

Hazard looked the best I have seen in him look in Madrid. Not that that’s saying a ton, but he looked fast, agile, and decisive. That flick to Benz to set up the first goal was beautiful. If he can contribute in a meaningful way this year, that goes a long way.

Alaba looked pretty good at LB. Had a lovely assist on the Vinicius header. If he can hold the fort until Mendy is healed, they might be fine back there. Militao had an awful mistake and essentially gave away the goal they conceded. Bad pass back to Courtois who had to rush out and foul the attacker. Militao has the higher ceiling, but Nacho the higher floor.

 

[Zososoxfan]

If there were doubts if Barcelona or Real Madrid will have to go through a period of adjustment, the first week suggested that there may not be such a period. Both teams looked absolutely fine, and maybe even very good. Personally, I was hoping both would somewhat shaky, but neither team looked that way.

Does Benzema get the credit he deserves? I just looked on Wikipedia that he's now top-10 for most appearances and will likely end up as fifth or sixth all time. And he's now fifth for all-time goals with 281 and has a chance to catch Raul, who is second with 323.

I disagree about this. Sociedad really laid off Barca and I think that was a huge mistake. Memphis looks like a real player and that should make the rest of the league take attention, but there's still real gaps in defense. Garcia looked pretty good next to Pique but Barca also allowed a slew of goals at the end of the match to make it close.

 

[biollante]

Memphis certainly looks like the real deal. I don't understand the private equity transaction. Does the equity firm now own a portion of those teams who took money ?

 

[Zososoxfan]

Memphis certainly looks like the real deal. I don't understand the private equity transaction. Does the equity firm now own a portion of those teams who took money ?

Not equity, but ownership of AV rights for 50 years. So they own a portion of revenues.

 

[bosox4283]

After five weeks, I think it is safe to say that Real Madrid will be the favorites if Benzema and Vinicius can maintain their form -- both look absolutely fantastic so far. That said, I think that the long year -- the lingering effects of a COVID season and summer tournaments -- has disrupted the now-Big Two's (Real Madrid and Atletico) ability to find a rhythm. I still think both can find that consistency, but until the players regain their top form, it may be a bumpy start.

Barcelona is going to struggle, especially with Aguero, Braithwaite, and Ansu Fati all out. Perhaps these three can help Barca find another gear, but I'm skeptical.

I probably posted the same thing last year after five games, so maybe I'm easily fooled. But I do think that lots of miles on the legs of Atleti's and Real's players along with the weakened Barca squad could create space for another to stick with them throughout the year.

 

[sodenj5]

The emergence of Vincius can’t be overstated. Benzema has carried the team on his back for much of the last 3 years in terms of scoring. If this isn’t just a hot stretch of form, Vini brings the additional threat they’ve been searching for since Ronaldo left. He’s always had the pace and skill, but he seems to finally be slowing down in the box and not going 200% full tilt.

Also, Camavinga comes in and immediately just looks like he belongs. People are going to look back in a decade and wonder how Real managed to steal him in broad daylight.

 

[teddykgb]

Seems like Koeman is on his way out of Barca soon. Also seems like they’re talking to Roberto Martinez which is like firing your coach for cannibalism and then hiring Jeffrey Dahmer. OCST must be glad to have all these former Everton managers at the top clubs in La Liga what is Big Dunc up to?

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I think Barca should try to coax Luis Enrique to return. No idea whether he would do it, especially with the World Cup in 14 months.

In terms of La Liga more broadly, it would be a great story if Sevilla could make a run at the title. I could see it happening if things break right for them. They are a very solid side, Lopetegui is an underrated manager, and I don't see either Atleti or Real being so dominant as to leave everybody else in the dust.

 

[Zososoxfan]

I think Barca should try to coax Luis Enrique to return. No idea whether he would do it, especially with the World Cup in 14 months.

In terms of La Liga more broadly, it would be a great story if Sevilla could make a run at the title. I could see it happening if things break right for them. They are a very solid side, Lopetegui is an underrated manager, and I don't see either Atleti or Real being so dominant as to leave everybody else in the dust.

I agree with all of this except for the fact that Atleti could certainly run away with it--they have the strongest squad and a top tier manager. Not sure how their approach looks so far this year (paging @bosox4283 ), but they should really work on putting in more goals as that tends to reduce noisy results.

My buddy and I were talking about this yesterday, but I don't understand why Barca are suddenly so keen to sack Koeman. This season (and probably next) are the club finally taking their medicine. They got rid of Messi, Griezmann, Trincao, Emerson, Pjanic, Ilaix, and Alena. All of those guys got minutes last year and would've been in line for minutes this year. On top of that, Aguero, Ansu, Pedri, Braithwaite, and Dembele are all injured. I mean, I'm exasperated by these results too but when you look at the XI and the bench, is it really much of a surprise?

The only reason to sack Koeman at this point is if you don't think he's bringing along the youth. Childish disdain of Puig aside, I don't think there's enough evidence of that yet. At a minimum, Koeman is giving minutes to the likes of Araujo, Garcia, Gavi, Dest, Balde (now injured SMH), Gonzalez, and Demir.

The goal for the season should be to finish top 4 and break in the youth--I don't think Martinez or Lucho would be any better at doing that. Ten Haag maybe, but I think that's a pipe dream right now. Add in the financial hit of sacking Koeman and I don't see much benefit to getting rid. His handling of the press (both in Barca and at home in the Netherlands) is bad, but not sackworthy on its own.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I agree with all of this except for the fact that Atleti could certainly run away with it--they have the strongest squad and a top tier manager. Not sure how their approach looks so far this year (paging @bosox4283 ), but they should really work on putting in more goals as that tends to reduce noisy results.

My buddy and I were talking about this yesterday, but I don't understand why Barca are suddenly so keen to sack Koeman. This season (and probably next) are the club finally taking their medicine. They got rid of Messi, Griezmann, Trincao, Emerson, Pjanic, Ilaix, and Alena. All of those guys got minutes last year and would've been in line for minutes this year. On top of that, Aguero, Ansu, Pedri, Braithwaite, and Dembele are all injured. I mean, I'm exasperated by these results too but when you look at the XI and the bench, is it really much of a surprise?

The only reason to sack Koeman at this point is if you don't think he's bringing along the youth. Childish disdain of Puig aside, I don't think there's enough evidence of that yet. At a minimum, Koeman is giving minutes to the likes of Araujo, Garcia, Gavi, Dest, Balde (now injured SMH), Gonzalez, and Demir.

The goal for the season should be to finish top 4 and break in the youth--I don't think Martinez or Lucho would be any better at doing that. Ten Haag maybe, but I think that's a pipe dream right now. Add in the financial hit of sacking Koeman and I don't see much benefit to getting rid. His handling of the press (both in Barca and at home in the Netherlands) is bad, but not sackworthy on its own.

I agree with you about Koeman. It feels like they just want a scapegoat for the performances but what are they going to do if (when?) the next manager doesn't do any better? Might as well stick with Koeman unless it looks like a CL place is really in doubt. I don't know how you could make that judgement five games into the season. If Barca wins their game in hand they move up to 4th or 5th, which seems like a perfectly fine place to be, especially given all the injuries and new faces. And getting pounded by Bayern in the CL is pretty much exactly what you'd expect given the strength of the two sides so I can't hold that against Koeman either.

 

[OCST]

Koeman has the charisma and interpersonal skills of a ground out tree stump. He’s terrible at rallying support and getting buy-in. He gets under people’s skin. As said I think if he had any skill in counseling patience and pointing out that some belt tightening was in order he’d be fine, but that club ain’t in his bag.

I was on record that Carlo wouldn’t last the season at RM. looks like it’s going fine but i think he’s in the rocking chair phase of his career and if they hit any turbulence I’m not sure he’s got the fire in his belly or the hunger to tough it out.

Martinez has rehabilitated himself with Belgium I think. Good for him. Always liked him personally.

Dunc’s police record precludes international travel.

 

[bosox4283]

Today, La Liga announced salary limits for this season. Can anyone explain to me how Real Madrid's limit jumped $270M?! Atletico's dropped to $170M, and I'd love to know what sort of financial shenanigans and wizardry Atleti used to fit the squad, including Simeone's massive salary, under this amount.

 

[Zososoxfan]

La Liga is a terribly run org. Tebas is trying to hurt Barca because of the Messi snafu, but doesn't realize that a bad Barca is bad for the league, and bad for the smaller clubs. Small mentality.

 

[teddykgb]

Today, La Liga announced salary limits for this season. Can anyone explain to me how Real Madrid's limit jumped $270M?! Atletico's dropped to $170M, and I'd love to know what sort of financial shenanigans and wizardry Atleti used to fit the squad, including Simeone's massive salary, under this amount.

It’s such a stupid system designed tokeep the same teams in power. Each team having its own salary cap is a tragedy in terms of fairness

 

[Mighty Joe Young]

It’s such a stupid system designed tokeep the same teams in power. Each team having its own salary cap is a tragedy in terms of fairness

Well .. in theory it’s based on a team’s revenues … but, of course how you define “revenues” is the key and rife for corruption.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Big statement for Atleti beating Barca 2-0. Barca now sit 9th (with a game in hand) but I honestly believe they will have to fight to finish top 4 behind Atleti (still the favorites IMO), Real, and Sevilla. Stiff competition from Sociedad, Villarreal, Betis, and Valencia (how?!??).

 

[bosox4283]

Big statement for Atleti beating Barca 2-0. Barca now sit 9th (with a game in hand) but I honestly believe they will have to fight to finish top 4 behind Atleti (still the favorites IMO), Real, and Sevilla. Stiff competition from Sociedad, Villarreal, Betis, and Valencia (how?!??).

I hope that Real Sociedad, Villareal, and Betis can keep the pace -- La Liga is more exciting with some more parity and the allure of the unexpected finish.

While I think Atletico looked really sharp and perhaps took their foot a bit off the gas for most of the second half, this team is sort of the result of Barcelona without Messi. There is no one there to bail out Barca when the team is stuck, no one to strike fear into the other team or pressure them into a mistake, and no one to create an unreal confidence that elevate everyone's play.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Rayo Vallecano at home taking it to Barca thru the first half up 1-0. Looking generally the better side as well. Rayo scored their goal off a brutal and uncharacteristic turnover by Busi in the defensive third. Barca actually rolling out a decent-looking XI, but still not THAT good and certainly not brimming with chemistry. The Pedri, Ansu, and Dembele injuries are brutal for Koeman right now.

MATS
Roberto-Pique-Garcia-Alba
Busi-Gonzalez
Dest (!)-Coutinho-Memphis
Aguero

Not much on the bench either--Puig (lol), Mingueza (I'd rather have him on over Roberto but he was bad on Sunday), Gavi, Balde, and guys you'd want to see even less.

Microphones at the Rayo stadium are picking up someone yelling "hijo de puta" at regular 3 minute intervals LOL.

Also, TIL that Rayo wears the red sash in part because of a previous partnership with Atletico (Atleti demanded that Rayo add some red in their honor, and to differentiate the previous all Blanco Rayo kit from Real Madrid's), and Rayo's owner chose the River red sash as they were one of the biggest clubs in the world at that time. Later on, River came to Madrid to play some matches and Rayo presented the River delegation with some gifts to show their admiration. Not to be outdone, River gave Rayo full kits similar to River's. Rayo hasn't changed the design materially since. Paging @dirtynine because obviously!

 

[swiftaw]

On the flip side, the current Barcelona shirts are hideous.

 

[OilCanMDS]

Watching Barcelona this season has been difficult in general, but it's even worse any time Coutinho is allowed to play. It blows my mind that the player constantly turning the ball over and ruining offensive movements by holding on to the ball for too long was once considered an elite level talent. There are a lot of issues with this team, but they are always exacerbated by playing Countinho who no longer has the ability to dribble or shoot, consistently passes the ball backwards or to the other team, and - probably worst of all - has no clue where to stand on offense. He goes between drifting to stand shoulder to shoulder with another player, thus ruining the passing lanes and allowing defenders to more easily cover the lanes, and making speculative runs behind the defense, thus leaving the team without the central midfielder that's supposed to be the focus of breaking the defense down in the middle. I can't think of any reason why he should ever see the field again when Barca has about 6 academy players that can contribute the same amount while actually helping the rest of the team and developing.

This season is obviously already over for the title and maybe even top 4, so I would like to see the team just go full youth movement rather than have vets out there playing terribly and still losing. It's too bad Collado didn't get registered because he could certainly do more than Luuk while the team could see if he's worth keeping around.

 

[bosox4283]

Watching Barcelona this season has been difficult in general, but it's even worse any time Coutinho is allowed to play. It blows my mind that the player constantly turning the ball over and ruining offensive movements by holding on to the ball for too long was once considered an elite level talent. There are a lot of issues with this team, but they are always exacerbated by playing Countinho who no longer has the ability to dribble or shoot, consistently passes the ball backwards or to the other team, and - probably worst of all - has no clue where to stand on offense. He goes between drifting to stand shoulder to shoulder with another player, thus ruining the passing lanes and allowing defenders to more easily cover the lanes, and making speculative runs behind the defense, thus leaving the team without the central midfielder that's supposed to be the focus of breaking the defense down in the middle. I can't think of any reason why he should ever see the field again when Barca has about 6 academy players that can contribute the same amount while actually helping the rest of the team and developing.

This season is obviously already over for the title and maybe even top 4, so I would like to see the team just go full youth movement rather than have vets out there playing terribly and still losing. It's too bad Collado didn't get registered because he could certainly do more than Luuk while the team could see if he's worth keeping around.

I saw an analysis on Coutinho’s awfulness just yesterday — he’s a total disaster out there.

 

[bosox4283]

See ya, Koeman.

 

[OilCanMDS]

See ya, Koeman.

I feel bad for Koeman because the roster really is in a bad spot right now, but those issues cannot excuse some of these results. I get that some of these defeats are against teams like Atleti and Bayern that are still good, but there have been a lot of frustrating and puzzling performances this season against sides that this roster should be beating. 15 points in 10 games isn't enough to keep your job at Barca, and the champions league results on top of that made this move inevitable.

 

[Zososoxfan]

I saw an analysis on Coutinho’s awfulness just yesterday — he’s a total disaster out there.

Yeah, I'm all about trying to reinvigorate him to reestablish some value and sell next year at a loss, but he was abjectly horribad yesterday. TBF, so was the whole team.

 

[bosox4283]

Almost half-way through the year, it seems that Real Madrid is running away with the league title. The main contenders -- Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Atletico, Betis, Barcelona, Villarreal -- all seem to be faltering to various degrees. This point is particularly relevant and important as I don't think Real Madrid is playing exceptionally. Instead, Real Madrid is riding the effectiveness of Benzema, the massive leap forward that Vinicius has taken, and the overall steady defense that is anchored by Courtois.

I'm personally really excited to see Betis playing so well -- I think the team is really exciting and dynamic. I hope that Real Sociedad can maintain pace.

 

[Vinho Tinto]

Speculation is that Kun Aguero is announcing his retirement tomorrow.

 

[Zososoxfan]

Just saw @bosox4283 post in the Atleti thread, and I thought it was worth a quick update here to show just how tight the La Liga table is right now. I assume that top 4 still go to UCL, 5 and 6 go to EUL, and 7 goes to UConfL.

Club	Games Played	Points	Goal Differential
1. Real Madrid	22	50	27
2. Sevilla	22	46	18
3. Betis	22	40	16
4. Atleti	21	36	10
5. Barca	21	35	9
6. Sociedad	22	34	1
7. Villarreal	22	32	13
8. Rayo	21	31	5
9. Bilbao	22	31	4

I can't remember a year where that many Liga clubs were positive in GD. I think that bodes very well for the redistribution of league income and the quality of the average club side. It's also made for a very tight table, with a bona fide race for all of the European places. The table is also fairly tight beyond the places I've shown, but I cut it off at positive GD (N.B. Vigo in 12th has a GD of +1, but clubs in positions 10 and 11 are negative on GD). Only cellar-dwellers Levante are way down on points with 11, and clubs 14-18 are only separated by 6 points.

There's an article posted in another thread about how the EPL is basically a super league already, and it rings a bit true. I'd favor a midtable EPL side like Brighton, Villa, or LCFC over the likes of Bilbao, but hopefully it's still within shout. Moreover, the only issue I have with the assertion of EPL superiority writ large is that the EPL focus on fitness and pressing sometimes can leave those sides a bit more subsceptible to more technical teams that permeate La Liga and Serie A. The Bundesliga does seem like EPL-lite with its focus on fitness, pressing, and relentless attacking, but someone more familiar with that league can correct if I'm wrong.

 

[bosox4283]

In a somewhat not surprising turn of events, the non-big three teams have all lost a step and have dropped in the table. We now have Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico as the top three. Sevilla is tied with Barca and Atleti with 57 points, but the team is clearly struggling at the moment. In fact, if I had to bet, I'd put money on Betis to overcome Sevilla for the fourth spot.

 

[bosox4283]

While I hate to say it, congrats to Real Madrid on winning La Liga. The team was clearly the best this year -- in part because of their consistent form and in part because their main two competitors (Atletico and Barcelona) had inconsistent campaigns.

Benzema has been absolutely dominant this year and truly carried the team. What's interesting to me is that Benzema is only a year younger than Luis Suarez, and whereas Suarez looks physically unable to compete at this level anymore, Benzema is thriving and maybe at his all-time best.

Another remarkable aspect of this year's title is that Ancelotti used like the same eleven guys the whole season -- one of which is Modric, who continues to amaze at 36. Guys like Bale, Hazard, Isco, Ceballos, Mariano, Marcelo, and Jovic barely contributed.

It is funny that Real Madrid is stuck with Bale and Hazard and their ridiculously high salaries, but it is not funny for the rest of us that Real Madrid will still find a way to add Mbappe this summer. Maybe the Fountain of Youth will eventually run dry for Benzema, Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric to offset his arrival.

 

[Zososoxfan]

While I hate to say it, congrats to Real Madrid on winning La Liga. The team was clearly the best this year -- in part because of their consistent form and in part because their main two competitors (Atletico and Barcelona) had inconsistent campaigns.

Benzema has been absolutely dominant this year and truly carried the team. What's interesting to me is that Benzema is only a year younger than Luis Suarez, and whereas Suarez looks physically unable to compete at this level anymore, Benzema is thriving and maybe at his all-time best.

Another remarkable aspect of this year's title is that Ancelotti used like the same eleven guys the whole season -- one of which is Modric, who continues to amaze at 36. Guys like Bale, Hazard, Isco, Ceballos, Mariano, Marcelo, and Jovic barely contributed.

It is funny that Real Madrid is stuck with Bale and Hazard and their ridiculously high salaries, but it is not funny for the rest of us that Real Madrid will still find a way to add Mbappe this summer. Maybe the Fountain of Youth will eventually run dry for Benzema, Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric to offset his arrival.

Congrats to Madrid from Catalunya as well. Gotta recognize the champs if you want to beat them. That said, this is such an unimpressive Madrid side. Benz gets all the credit in the world from me, and I love the player (the man, not so much). But anyone as good as him who can handle playing next to Ronaldo as long as he did, and then burst out of that shadow and lead one of the best clubs at this age is a true legend. Same goes for Modric. That said, I'm ready for the next generation of La Liga stars to take over.

 

[rguilmar]

Congrats to Madrid from Catalunya as well. Gotta recognize the champs if you want to beat them. That said, this is such an unimpressive Madrid side. Benz gets all the credit in the world from me, and I love the player (the man, not so much). But anyone as good as him who can handle playing next to Ronaldo as long as he did, and then burst out of that shadow and lead one of the best clubs at this age is a true legend. Same goes for Modric. That said, I'm ready for the next generation of La Liga stars to take over.

My Catalan-ness will not allow me to fully congratulate Madrid. Even the Espanyol supporters in my family won't go that far. That being said, Madrid were the most consistent team in La Liga this season and deserved to win. I'll give them that. For me, the top teams were weaker than usual but I have enjoyed the overall depth in the upper-middle part of the table (Betis, La Real, surprising Osasuna, Athletic Club etc). It's starting to feel like nobody wants to go to the Champions League next year though with all of the contenders dropping points.

It's both my least favorite and most favorite part of the season. Least favorite because some club I like to root for will get relegated. I do love me a good derby, so Levante going down will hurt. Are there two traditional rivals with separate stadiums geographically closer to one another than Valencia and Levante? Probably in London, but I'm not sure. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Cadiz, despite a little player controversy last season, so I'd love for them to stay up. Ditto Mallorca, where some of my family summers. Granada has great and truly passionate local support. It's hard to describe, but it almost feels like a family connection between the city and the team. But someone needs to go down. I do like Alaves, especially the ruggedness of players like Laguardia, but replacing them with Eibar and their super small stadium keeps level the Basque representation in La Liga, which by my count will still be at four including Osasuna- which is its own controversy. That gets to me what I love about this part of the season, seeing who will be promoted. Eibar is in good shape, along with Almeria. I can't bring myself to say who sits in the playoff positions, but I know others here are even more excited than I am for the possibilities for one Asturian club. Even a table lower, in the newly formed third tier called Primera Division RFEF, Deportivo la Coruna have a chance to return to the second flight, and man would I love to see them back in La Liga.

Segunda games are available on ESPN+ for those curious.

 

[SoxFanInCali]

Are there two traditional rivals with separate stadiums geographically closer to one another than Valencia and Levante?

Everton are moving out soon, but since 1892 they've been right across Stanley Park from Liverpool. In fact, Everton moving out of Anfield is what spurred the creation of LFC.