News
VIE 11.09.2015
Here in Serbia, we like to think that we've left a substantial mark on the Spanish League. We might not have contributed as much as, say, Argentina or Portugal, but we have had our moments.
Atletico Madrid have profited from the likes of Veljko Paunović and Mateja Kezman, Real Sociedad fans still remember the glory days of Darko Kovačević and his Turkish partner Nihat Kaveci. The legendary Predrag Mijatović may officially be Montenegrin, but he is one of our own, and Radomir Antic remains the only coach in history to have managed Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
In recent years however, Croatian players have been the ones to light up La Liga, but this lack of Serbian payers has not stopped fans from tuning in to watch Spanish football week in and week out.
Many are interested to see if Barcelona can stage a repeat of their early 2015 form and outstanding, treble-winning season. Luis Enrique may have the most dangerous attacking trio in the world at his disposal, but the lack of fresh blood was clearly visible in the Spanish Super Cup and the two uninspiring 1-0 performances in the league so far. But what they have done is secured those ever-important early points, something Real Madrid will still be kicking themselves for, after two games and only four points.
Rafa Benitez will be facing the test of all tests managing the team's tactical intricacies and first team dilemmas, but will also have to undergo a complete identity switch, from leading the likes of Liverpool and Napoli, to a whole new level of expectation at Real Madrid. External factors have hit Madrid hard this year. Gareth Bale came into the season with much to prove, and his current run of form, and two goals against Betis could be the key to reconciliation with the Madrid loyal. His new role on the pitch, with a greater freedom of movement could prove to be vital to Real's title hopes and Rafa's reputation at the club.
Along with the rest of Europe, we are eagerly awaiting to see more of what Atletico Madrid can do this season. With Simeone on the bench and Koke and Griezmann leading, the team’s energy resembles that of 2013/2014, when they won the league, made it to the Champions League final, and became the 'club of the people'. Montenegro's Stefan Savić is a sturdy addition at the back, and a Partizan fan favorite, having made a name for himself with the Serbian champions.
Partizan Belgrade fans will also be paying special attention to Athletic Bilbao this season, as the two clubs are drawn together in the Europa League, together with AZ Alkmaar and FC Augsburg. Athletic might be group favorites but they will not have an easy time if the Serbian club puts in the kind of determined performance that brought them only minutes away from Champions League qualification.
This weekend in La Liga brings in a special dose of excitement, especially after what seemed like a lengthy international break. It's not 'El Clásico' time yet, but it is time for a Madrid-Barcelona matchup, as Real travel to Espanyol and Barcelona face Atletico Madrid at the Calderón. Atleti have shown more than once that they can beat Barcelona, with returnee Torres always having been especially inspired against the Catalans. Although Espanyol are never an easy rival, Real will be looking to secure their three points easily, and hope for a draw at the Calderón, which would bring them on level terms with their biggest rivals for the La Liga title.
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