Carlo Ancelotti's preparations for the coming
campaign his side in good shape, but the
Catalans' chaotic close season could prove
costly as La Liga gets underway this weekend
ANALYSIS
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer
The Clasico is cooling off. Real Madrid and
Barcelona have not met since early March and,
after the capital club failed to overcome
Atletico in the final of the Copa del Rey in
May, there will be no meeting with the
Catalans in the Spanish Supercopa either. Not
until late October will hostilities resume. But
even though the two teams have not played
each other in five months, it seems Madrid
have stolen an early march on their bitter
rivals.
The summer has been a period of reinvention
for Spain's elite. Both clubs changed coach and
begin new projects in 2013-14, when they will
be expected to dominate La Liga once again.
But on the evidence of pre-season at least,
Madrid look to be in superior shape; while
Real's pristine preparations have boosted
confidence ahead of the coming campaign, the
Catalans' chaotic close season threatens to
hurt the Blaugrana before a ball has even been
kicked this term.
Madrid moved early to replace outgoing boss
Jose Mourinho, setting their sights on Carlo
Ancelotti and quickly getting their man. Several
Spanish signings arrived in July, too, as Isco,
Asier Illarramendi and Dani Carvajal were
snapped up, along with Brazilian midfielder
Casemiro. Real still hope to buy Gareth Bale
but, even without the Welsh winger, this has
been a productive summer. Players have been
brought in early and settled (with the
exception of Illarramendi who is struggling to
overcome the stress and change of scenery
since moving from Real Sociedad for in excess
of €30 million). A series of competitive clashes
against some of Europe's top teams (with PSG,
Everton, Chelsea and Inter all beaten) have
seen Ancelotti's side gradually gel and evolve
ahead of the kick-off this weekend, with
Cristiano Ronaldo in fantastic form for the
summer friendlies.
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