There’s a magnetism about the relationship between Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti.
Even if he had not returned to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2021, the Italian would already have always been assured a special place in the heart of Madistras.
That is because he guided them to La Decima, their long-awaited and coveted 10th European Cup in 2014.
Since then, of course he has returned and guided them to another European Cup/Champions League and La Liga double and ensured they became top dogs again.
Now, as we approach the end of 2023, they lead La Liga and are in the knockout stages of the Champions League after a flawless group stage campaign.
As it stands, they are my tip to retain the title and will be top on Christmas Day.
That was after Lucas Vazquez struck deep into stoppage time as 10-man Real won at Alaves.
A 1-1 draw between Girona and Betis earlier in the day meant they knew they would go first on goal difference with victory.
They struggled to create chances and their cause was not helped when defender Nacho was dismissed in the 54th minute for a bad foul on Samu Omorodion. Then, two minutes into added time, Vazquez rose to head in a Toni Kroos corner.
The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds make Madrid title favourites for a reason – you see there is a magnetism about Madrid and Ancelotti and that will continue into the New Year.
Of course, not even Madrid have been the team of the season in La Liga to date.
That title so far goes to Girona who have been magnificent with La Liga highlights aplenty.
Their rise to the top may have taken many by surprise but, on the evidence so far, they have the quality to stay in the upper echelons of the table.
Atletico Madrid have the edge in third as they climbed above Barcelona on goal difference.
A 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday afternoon was a fine win given they played the final 20 minutes with a numerical disadvantage following the dismissal of Caglar Soyuncu.
Sevilla poured forward in the final stages but Llorente was superbly denied a second goal late on.
Victory moves Atletico up to third place in the table and they actually kick off the new year with a trip to Girona on January 3.
As for Los Rojiblancos, Antoine Griezmann is currently tied with club legend Luis Aragones on 173 Atletico goals, a record he will surely soon hold on his own after the brief festive break.
Now, as it stands, Athletico Bilbao and Real Sociedad complete the top six and you wouldn’t be surprised if Sociedad make a late burst again.
But if Girona can match their first half of the campaign, then they will surely be the side which joins the regular top three.
As for the bottom club, they battled hard and threatened to upset Barca a few days before Christmas but can Almeria really be expected to survive>
They are currently 10 points from safety and, with Granada (last season’s Segunda champions) also seven adrift, both clubs have work to do.
The other two promoted clubs, Las Palmas and Alaves, are faring better – in Las Palmas’ case, much healthier.
Garcia Pimienta’s side currently sit in ninth place, the Canary Islanders 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
It’s not been easy with the manager having to contend with club favourite and captain Jonathan Viera becoming unhappy and he’s set to leave club in the next month.
Indeed, the falling out with Viera has been an uncomfortable sideshow for Las Palmas with the veteran going AWOL at one point, and eventually agreeing an exit after Pimienta would not restore him to the starting line-up.
The club also knows it will be weakened when one of its key men, Sergi Cardona, departs next summer at the end of his current contract.
Yet the manager has focused on results and they are sitting in a good place,
As for Alves, they need to rid themselves of their goal-shy tag.
Garcia Plaza’s side have not scored a single league goal since November, which is a troubling trend that needs to end if they are to prolong their stay in the Spanish top-flight.
The league’s joint lowest scorers (14 in 18 games) have to be more clinical to give themselves breathing space from the bottom three.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
