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The monopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga is at risk as the surprise package Real Sociedad leads the way … the race for the title in Spain is OPEN, but which losers have enough to break the dominance of the two big? ?
- LaLiga title race looks fit for everyone after chaotic start to season
- Real Sociedad currently leads the standings with Real and Barça lagging behind
- Sportsmail assesses five sides looking to upset the apple cart in the title race
It hasn’t happened since 2014 and before that, it had only happened three times this century, but a glance at the league table after two months into the season suggests that someone other than Real Madrid and Barcelona could win the league.
LaLiga appears to be at stake with Real Sociedad leading the table and Villarreal sitting just behind, as Madrid lag behind in sixth place and Barça lag even further behind in eighth.
With the monopoly of the two greats on the Spanish title threatened, Sportsmail Take a look at five sides vying to take down the Big Two and rate their chances of doing so.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane (left) and Barça manager Ronald Koeman (right) watched their teams move away from the first title shot.
Atletico Madrid
So far so good for Diego Simeone’s side. He has the best defensive record in LaLiga and with Luis Suárez and Joao Félix both in five goals so far this season. They also have the ingredients for the best attack side.
Suarez has changed the way the team plays with Simeone accepting that they can no longer sit deep and wait for the 33-year-old to chase long balls overhead.
They’re playing much higher up the field with Joao Félix’s brilliant pass on the Uruguayan’s wall, jet-heeled Marcos Llorente running behind and midfielder Koke breaking things up with the occasional longer pass from defense, it’s all coming together. . They are undefeated and seem serious contenders.
Title chances: 4/5
Atlético de Madrid are balancing a solid defense with a menacing attack after a solid start
Real society
No team in Spain plays football better today, and with more goals scored than anyone else, they deserve to be at the top of the table.
David Silva has brought endurance as well as quality, and the conveyor belt of young talents is beginning to give them incredible strength in depth that the big two could envy.
They lack a 30-goal center forward, but have current LaLiga top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal scoring for fun. If they are mentally strong, they may have what it takes.
Title chances: 2.5 / 5
League leaders have added stamina on David Silva (right) and are playing excellent football
Seville
Very often in the last 20 years they have been the side that has pushed the heavy hitters.
This year, in which there is a great field, everyone trying to lead and stay there, Sevilla has gone up and down, doing better in the Champions League than in LaLiga.
Only one win in five puts them 12th, but they’re an enduring team, so don’t write them off just yet. A recovered penalty from Lucas Ocampos gave them a hard-fought victory over the weekend now that they have an international break to recover injured players and rest their tired legs. Monchi also has another window in January to try to give them an extra boost if they need it.
Title chances: 1.5 / 5
Sevilla have not enjoyed the best starts, but their durability means that they cannot be ruled out yet
Pomegranate
Last season’s breakthrough team went from newly promoted to the Europa League in just one campaign. With the loan from Manchester City, Yangel Herrera improving more and more in central midfield and his international teammate in Venezuela Darwin Machis also impressing, they have started well at home and abroad.
A coronavirus outbreak limited them to seven first-team players on Sunday and they were beaten by Real Sociedad, but when they regain full strength, they are a match for anyone. Former Watford forward Luis Suárez looks good and Roberto Soldado continues to defy the aging process.
The league will be beyond them, but their talented young coach Diego Martinez, who won’t turn 40 until next month, could lead them to the best season in their history.
Title chances: 1/5
Granada, last year’s revelation team, is a match for anyone when they are in top form
Villarreal
Unai Emery, still hurting from not having enough time at Arsenal, has stuck his head under Villarreal’s hood and given them the kind of expert set-up that makes them outperform everyone who comes to his home from the Estadio Cerámica. with only two points lost. in five games.
The form as a visitor is also improving and they said goodbye to Getafe with ease at the weekend with a team of 11 Spaniards to the delight of Luis Enrique: the Spain coach has called up forward Gerard Moreno and central defender Pau Torres. What the Yellow Submarine really wants, of course, is a mug.
They have never won silverware and so they hired Emery. The glory of the Europa League might attract, but the form of the league now taking them to second place is a welcome advantage.
Title chances: 1.5 / 5
The Yellow Sub is second under new boss Unai Emery, but he’s looking for a trophy.
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