Real Madrid. Francisco Franco’s golden boys; actually you could argue that this was Atletico Madrid when they were known as the military side, Atletico Aviacion under Franco’s Nationalist regime. Still though, they are the King’s men, the name Royal, Real, precedes the country’s capital, Madrid, having been bestowed upon them by King Alfonso XIII in 1920, the second side to be given the title after Real Club Deportivo de la Coruna. The crown atop their famous crest and the color purple remain symbols of these beginnings. They are the team that no man can say no to and with 32 League titles and 10 European Cups over their 113-year history it comes as no surprise.
However, one man who could not say no a couple of seasons ago is seemingly being forced out after every match in which he plays. Gareth Bale arrived in Madrid two seasons ago for a world record fee and came good immediately in helping Madrid to a Champions League and Cup double, scoring the winner, one spectacularly, on both occasions. Just a year on and it looks as if the fans have forgotten about his heroics. If he does not pass he’s jeered. If he does not shoot and passes he’s cursed. Tuesday’s semi final in Turin may have been one of the last European games that Bale will play for a Madrid side he benefited so much in his first season. Real Madrid was caught off guard by Juventus’ energy throughout. They opened quickly and responded to Ronaldo’s equalizer in similar fashion. Instead of playing as an Italian side normally does, reserved and organized, Juventus looked to make their opponent uncomfortable and thy did. Gareth Bale was as much to blame as the rest of his teammates, all as equals. But, he was criticized more so and whether or not it is because of his transfer fee I feel that it has just become more and more unwarranted. The good news though, is that is could push him back to England where I believe next season The Premier League’s top sides look set to return to Europe’s summit.
Chelsea will likely win the League by ten plus points and they have done it as comfortably as we have seen in the recent past. They already look set to make a statement in Europe next season, as Cesc Fabregas has already mentioned. Manchester City has the eldest starting eleven in the League and looks set for a major shakeup. Arsenal has improved drastically since their second leg victory in Monaco and they look one of the most threatening sides in the world at the moment. A few extra weapons in attack and defense may end their European hoodoo. Manchester United really got things going after January and although they have lost three in a row they will still likely make the top four and look to be just a couple players in midfield and attack short of mounting a Premier League and European Cup challenge next season. Wherever Gareth Bale plays next season, City, United and Arsenal, with the right recruits could be very threatening. Chelsea on the other hand has had a season together and will be ahead of their rivals. But in any event it looks as if English clubs in Europe look set to be in the best shape that they have been in for a while in their quest to return to European supremacy. Gareth Bale’s possible return to England will only help their chances.
Source: DSG
