Raul Gonzalez: "Spanish clubs are an example to the world"

Spanish football is enjoying one of its best ever seasons. The dominance of LaLiga clubs is there for all to see with teams involved in the finals of both of Europe’s club competitions. Spanish clubs have set the pace in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. Three of the seven teams that kicked off the season in those competitions have made it to one of this year’s European finals in a repeat of the finals of two years ago which involved the same three Spanish sides.

In a statement to EFE, LaLiga Country Manager for the United States, Raul Gonzalez, highlighted the roles of Spanish teams in European competition. "A Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid is a dream final for fans in any country and our country has now managed it twice. It's an unprecedented feat. The icing on the cake is that Sevilla FC are also through to the other final in Basel, which is an endorsement of LaLiga's place at the top of European football."

The Real Madrid legend, who said that the three Spanish finalist "are an example to the world," did not forget FC Barcelona, who have already lifted an international trophy this season. "The year kicked off emphatically with FC Barcelona's impressive performance at the Club World Cup," he said.

Raul also commented on Villarreal’s impressive European campaign after they crashed out just before the final. "Let's not forget Villarreal’s impressive season in both LaLiga and the UEFA Europa League. It’s a shame we won’t see them in the final, but their performances, including their tie against Liverpool, have been impeccable," he explained.

LaLiga teams' devastating form in each of Europe's club competitions this season has been such that in the cases of FC Barcelona, Athletic Club and Valencia CF, only other LaLiga sides were able to eliminate them. It is domestic rivalry taken to the international stage, something that only the best league in the world can aspire to.

The Spanish former footballer also highlighted the roles of the executives in charge of Spain's clubs. "The footballing world understands that LaLiga and its financial clout, plus the impressive figures released this week leave LaLiga well placed in a position that looked unlikely just a few years ago." He concluded by saying that "Spanish clubs have done a great job off the pitch and it is, without a doubt, now Spanish football's time to shine."