chris

Credit must be given to Beckham for his strength of character in coming back from his problems. But despite all the talk of Madrid’s decline over the last 3 years they have come second to Barcelona in the last 2 seasons, not too far from the top. They will have ended in the same position this year if Barcelona had not torn themselves apart as egos and personal pride subverted their team spirit and destroyed their season. Madrid deserve the title, but In Spain, the manner of winning is almost as important as the victory itself. Unlike England, the Spanish fans demand a certain style, a certain class in obtaining victory. All too often this season, Madrid’s victories have born the mark of desperate struggles, last ditch efforts, all hands to the pumps do or die affairs that sits ill with their aristocratic pedigree. Their fans will rejoice in victory but remain unsated with the quality of football that secured it.

They will most likely win the league, but it will be a victory not won in the style Madrid's fans demand, with elegance and ?©lan rather than effort and effectiveness. Madrid like inspiration, Capello has given perspiration A lot of grit, sweat and fight has gone into their season, but they will have scrapped to the title, not sailed to it. Barcelona and Seville still set the standard in terms of the style and spirit of Spanish football. That is why Madrid fans will demand change and why Mr Fix it Capello and his English and Dutch plough horses (Beckham and Van Nistleroy) will not last at the Bernabaue, nor will they join Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento Figo and Zidane in its hall of fame.