la liga
After last Sunday's Clasico, it was clear that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only true contenders for the Ballon D'Or 2012. Many expected the rivalry to get a closer look this coming as the two players returned to their national teams to help in the World Cup Qualifiers. However, after one game one player is starting to regain the lead for the best player of the year award.
Barcelona drew with Real Madrid 2-2 in the first game this season in which the Catalonians did not win.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his hot play with a three goal performance in a 4-1 drubbing over Ajax Amsterdam.
This weekend starts the 2012-13 La Liga season which will ultimately be a two horse race between Barcelona who tries to win its fourth championship in five years and Real Madrid who looks to win its second best.
However, it is essential to remember that the rest of the squads will get a shot at a Champions League Berth and a few spots in the Europa League. And one cannot forget that they will also be fighting to steer clear of the last three spots which would banish them from the league next season.
But the main drama is the battle between Real Madrid and Barca for the top spot. Here are the match ups of the weekend and predictions.
The last time Real Madrid entered a La Liga season as defending champions was in 2009. During the last three seasons, they have watched as their hated rivals from Barcelona took the prize time and again.
The big question for Los Merengues is whether they can repeat as champions? Last season they achieved the feat with a healthy lead over second place Barcelona, but this season may however be far more difficult to achieve the status of champions as their rivals will finally be healthy and made a plethora of moves over the summer to improve. Here is a look at Real Madrid prior to the start of the season.
