La Liga kicks off shorn of star duo
NEW SEASON: REAL, BARCA WILL MISS RONALDO, INIESTA
Madrid
The Spanish season kicks off this weekend with La Liga entering a new era following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta, and with Atletico Madrid posing a huge threat to the big two.
Spain’s pre-eminence on the European stage was cemented by Real Madrid winning the Champions League in May while Atletico won the Europa League, just as Barcelona won another domestic double.
But much has changed since, and Ronaldo’s move to Juventus leaving a gaping chasm at Real, who also saw Zinedine Zidane quit as coach.
After 15 brilliant years at the Camp Nou, Iniesta has gone to Japan, although at least Barcelona still have Lionel Messi.
Nevertheless, while Real and Barcelona have won the last five Champions Leagues between them, neither looks quite as strong as they have been in the recent past.
Julen Lopetegui is the new coach at the Bernabeu, the announcement of his appointment leading to his messy sacking from the Spain job before the World Cup.
His new charges lost 4-2 after extra time to Atletico in the Uefa Super Cup in midweek, but skipper Sergio Ramos insists Real will cope without Ronaldo.
“Throughout history, stars have come and gone and Real have kept winning. The decision has been made to move on to a new phase and I hope all goes well for him and for us,” he said.
President Florentino Perez is hoping Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will now stand up and be counted, while Luka Modric remains and is a contender for the Ballon d’Or after his brilliant World Cup with Croatia.
Messi is now the captain of a Barcelona side who have won seven titles in the last 10 seasons and have just beaten Sevilla 2-1 to lift the Spanish Super Cup.
The Catalans have added depth to their squad with the signings of Brazilian duo Arthur and Malcom, French defender Clement Lenglet and Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal as they look to retain the domestic crown and end Real’s European hegemony. –