Spanish Division 1 - Focus

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Real Madrid and Barcelona set for another season of duopoly

Real Madrid and Barcelona raised the bar to a new level during last season, Mourinho eventually winning his first Spanish Division 1 title for Real Madrid, ending Barca’s three year domestic dominance. Under some record breaking achievements, both sides opted to stick to their winning formula in the new season without making major signings, but Barcelona’s symbolic coach Guardiola has stepped down, whether replacement Vilanova can continue Barca’s success will be a major factor of which team will win the league title.

Since his Porto days, Mourinho has been a winner every season, his coaching career yet to endure a trophy-less season. In his first season in charge of Real Madrid, Mourinho has suffered some hard losses against their arch rivals, but the balance of power finally shifted last season, the league title also confirming Mourinho as the best coach in the world.

Real Madrid has not made any changes, while Barca’s only addition is the highly rated Jordi Alba, who is seen as the perfect signing for Barca, as the left back position has been their archilles heels. With Spain’s dejected economy, it is not surprising to see that clubs are selling more than they buy.