Analysis: Real Madrid should have no concerns after dropping points
Real Madrid dropped their first points of the new season in their most arduous challenge yet, as a tenacious Athletic Bilbao saw out an impressive 1-1 draw at Estadio San Mames.
The two dinosaurs of the Spanish game – who first locked horns back in 1903 – have been inseparable in their previous three clashes and this one meant Real Madrid fell behind title rivals Barcelona.
The Catalans were also forced to dig deep when they looked unlikely to come away from Anoeta – a peculiarly unhappy stomping ground for Barca – with triumph, against an equally valiant Real Sociedad.
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However goals in swift succession midway through the second half ensured Barcelona maintained their pristine record, and Real Madrid’s draw means Valverde’s men emerge as clear leaders for the first time.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been scrapping fiercely at the top in the opening few weeks; an indicator that this year’s LaLiga will be contested with much more vehemence than last season’s stroll.
Los Blancos’ trip to the Basque country on Saturday night was irrefutably their toughest test on paper, and it proved as much. Athletic Bilbao were resilient, and an almost unrecognisable outfit from their laboured, pessimistic style last term where they struggled to a 14th place finish.
Former Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo had them playing with more vibrancy and intent, and for a while it seemed as if the hosts could scrape a historic win.
Isco’s header – the only attempt to beat imperious young goalkeeper Unai Simon – cancelled out Iker Muniain’s opener, though, and despite qualms that Real Madrid now have a psychological disadvantage against Barcelona as well as a numerical one, there is no reason to worry at this early stage.
More deductions can be made when the two meet in what is quickly being sculpted as a mouth-watering El Clasico, but right now both clubs are producing mesmerising football and making an informed prediction on who May’s title-winners will be is impossible.
Barcelona and Real Madrid were similar this weekend in the way that they had to deliver plucky displays to earn points. Barca were more accustomed to that method, having beaten Valladolid with the same strategy only three weeks prior.
Real Madrid never looked strong enough to grab the win, however they can take optimism from another purposeful performance at a problematic stadium for many of Spain’s prime clubs.
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The table might say that Barcelona are ahead after four games, but don’t read into it. Real Madrid have made a fine start, and this season’s LaLiga could be one of the most memorable to date.