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LA LIGA SANTANDER 17/18: NEXT STOP FOR BARCA


     Football Club Barcelona travel to the New Wanda Metropolitano to face fellow Spanish giants Atletico De Madrid come the 14th of October. Reports suggest tickets aren't provided for the away fans per Marca.com. Cataluña's pride lead the pack, whilst Diego Simeone's band of warriors trail in fourth. As you'd expect, Lionel's running the show, and everyone's playing to his tune.
   
    Normal services have resumed this term for Leo and his pals. 11 for the little man, with his side hitting 23 already in all competitions. In the last two years, the side top at October, eventually went on to be champions. Mind placing that bet now?

   Critics would tell you the fixtures they've had so far, have been relatively easy. Real Betis, Getafe (away), Eibar, Girona(away), and Las Palmas. They haven't dropped a single point in any of those matches. Only Napoli can boast about this in Europe's top 5 leagues.
Neymar-less? Certainly not. Former Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu has filled in quite decently for the mercurial Brazilian on the flanks, as well as fringe player Denis Suarez. Luis Suarez however has been off the pace, scoring once all campaign v Girona two weeks ago. One particular signing has put his name up in lights definitely, and that is Brazilian midfielder Paulinho. He's brought something different to this team in the middle of the park: a certain physicality which you've probably never seen in the last five or six years. His two strikes this season have typified that. Money spent well eh?

   Defensively, they've been solid; letting in only three all season. Not-too controversial Gerard Pique has been immense at the heart of defence alongside either Javier Mascherano or Samuel Umtiti. Fullbacks Jordi Alba, Nelson Semedo, Aleix Vidal, and Sergi Roberto always ready to push forward as well as drop back when required. Managerial great Sir Alex Ferguson once said: "Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles."
Atleti's passionate fanbase (c) (marca.com)

    The marker's been laid down, and the rest are trying their utmost best to match. Cristiano and co hoping it's a night to forget in the capital. Drake fanboy Antoine Griezzy being geed up by former Chelsea troublemaker Diego Costa. Brace yourselves. Some fixture this promises to be. Let's hope they're around for much longer given Catalonia's latest developments.
 

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