While most of the top clubs and players in Europe have their feet up, relaxing after a long, hard season (or in the case of some of the South American players, preparing for the Copa America), the action in La Liga takes centre stage with a title race almost certain to go down to the wire.

As in Germany, Holland and Portugal, where the destination of the title was not decided until the final whistle of the season, Spain’s two biggest football giants seem destined for a similar experience.

After 36 games, nothing separates Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both teams stand on 72 points, the difference being the routes taken to get there. Real hold the advantage in the aggregate score over the season against Barcelona (they won 2-0 at home and drew 3-3 away), which means that the title is presently theirs to lose. Wins in their final games away to Real Zaragoza and at home to Mallorca will be enough to secure their 30th La Liga title.

The title is likely to be won and lost this weekend at La Romareda, home to Real Zaragoza. In recent years, Villareal have been labelled a mini version of a South American club, or specifically an Argentinian one, due to the number of players on their books from the country. Still boasting a heavy South American flavour, although not necessarily an Argentinian one, that mantle has been passed to Zaragoza, boasting the Milito brothers (Gabriel and Diego), as well as Pablo Aimar and Andres D’Alessandro.

As with Villareal, the South American influence does not stop at Argentina; Carlos Diogo (Uruguay), and Gustavo Nery and Ewerthon (both Brazil) have also contributed to Zaragoza’s campaign.

Barcelona are facing Espanyol (deflated from defeat in the UEFA Cup Final) and Gimnastic (already relegated) in their final games, and twill be expected to recoup maximum points. This means that Real Madrid will have to do the same and the upcoming clash at Zaragoza holds the key to the title race. Real Madrid end the season at home to Mallorca, and no one will expect the islanders to spoil the Madrid party.

Once again, Iker Casillas in goal has been a Real saviour for Real.. Still only 26, the Spaniard has a very long career ahead of him, and is already in the discussion as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Casillas and Ruud Van Nistelrooy are likely to be pivotal for Real this weekend at either end of the pitch.

Since drawing 3-3 away at Barcelona in mid-March, Real Madrid have won nine of 10 games, a run which has enabled them to sit on top of the table. The shackles appear to have been broken on the attacking front, too, with the side scoring 13 goals in just four games during May. Real could be credited for timing their charge to the title perfectly, as Barcelona have been unable to consistently hit the heights that saw them win both La Liga and the Champions League last season.

Barca entered the season as favourites to retain La Liga and the Champions League, but lie in danger of winning nothing from a campaign which promised everything. Their failures in cup competitions aside, they have been dealing with a varying amount of dressing-room unrest.

Just how deep rooted and significant the problems are between the players is open to conjecture. However, what is not in doubt is the very public falling out between Samuel Eto’o, Ronaldinho and coach Frank Rijkaard. Refusing to come on as a substitute in caused friction with Rijkaard, the Cameroon forward was then labelled selfish by Ronaldinho, and Eto’o felt the need to defend himself and attacked Ronaldinho. This spat could well cost Barcelona the title.

Barcelona’s league form has been much like their cup exploits. They have at times proved to be a class or two above their opponents, only to then in turn self destruct with the help of chaotic and uncertain defending, as well as a lack of ruthlessness when it comes to killing off games.

In contrast to Real, who have performed consistently well both at home and away, Barcelona’s title charge has relied heavily on an outstanding home record. They remain unbeaten at the Nou Camp, taking 46 points at home from 14 wins and four draws, with their last home game of the season approaching this weekend against Espanyol. Coincidently, Barcelona have scored and conceded the same amount of goals away from home as Real Madrid (32  for, 20 against), but Real have garnered nine points more on their travels.

All of this points to an exciting finish, the kind of tight conclusion that the Premiership could do with.

And then there's Seville!

(Article courtesy of http://sportsmagician.blogspot.com/ )