Does anybody really want to win La Liga?
Well, of course they do, and my tip remains the same now as it did back in August before a ball was even kicked – Real Madrid all the way.
The SBOTOP La Liga 2022 betting odds agree and we both can’t be wrong!
Even after Real were surprisingly held at home by lowly Elche, it still turned out to be a decent enough weekend.
My only doubt, however, would be if their talisman is out for a while.
When Karim Benzema left the field holding the back of his leg as he was substituted for Luka Jovic, and it was believed he had sustained a hamstring injury.
If that is the case, then perhaps this current international break has arrived at an ideal time.
The extent of Benzema’s injury is yet to be seen but he is a doubt for the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao on February 3 and possibly the La Liga meeting with Granada three days later.
After that, Real will hope the Frenchman can be back to himself for the game against Villarreal ahead of their all-important Champions League round of 16 first leg against PSG in the middle of the month.
Certainly, it is imperative Benzema now gets to rest.
The reason the weekend wasn’t too bad for Real was because, while they had to settle for a point after fighting back from two goals down thanks to a last-gasp Éder Militão goal in stoppage time, second-placed Sevilla also stumbled at home with a draw against Celta Vigo.
That means Real have 50 points from 22 games, still four ahead of Sevilla.
Elche opened a two-goal lead with Lucas Boyé netting in the first half and Pere Milla scoring after the break.
The character shown by Carlo Ancelotti’s men – the newly-crowned Spanish Super Cup winners – was clear as Luka Modric reduced the deficit with a penalty after 82 minutes and Vinícius Júnior found Militão inside the box in the 92nd minute and he headed the equaliser.
Sevilla may well turn out to be genuine contenders but would need to strengthen this month and have been linked with bringing Moussa Dembele back to La Liga from Lyon, initially on loan with an option to buy if reports are to be believed.
The 25 year-old is said to be their main alternative if they fail to reach a deal to bring in Anthony Martial on loan from Manchester United.
The main news away from the Madrid–Elche encounter was a report that thieves had broken into Benzema’s house, located in a luxury home complex in San Sebastián de los Reyes, during the match.
Back on the field, defending champions Atletico Madrid were responsible for the most exciting La Liga 2022 highlights of the weekend as they fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Valencia as they look to rediscover their form – although surely too late for a title tilt.
Again, if speculation is correct, Los Rojiblancos are preparing to make moves for both Daniel Wass and Reinildo Mandava before the end of the January.
After allowing Kieran Trippier to move to Newcastle United at the beginning of the month, boss Diego Simeone is keen to bring in a suitable replacement.
Wass has been identified as that man and his contract with Valencia ends at the end of the season, while Reinildo is in the same situation with Lille in France.
That means that Atletico can negotiate directly with both players, although they will have to pay a fee to free them from their contracts.
The Mozambican didn’t train with the French club yesterday amid claims Atletico have bought out his contract so he can join immediately.
Atletico remain a point above Barcelona in the all-important top four chase after Frenkie De Jong scored a late winner as the Catalan giants edged past struggling Alaves to move up to fifth.
The Dutch midfielder converted Ferran Torres’ first-time cross with three minutes remaining to settle a contest in which 19th placed Alaves created the better chances.
Barcelona know they need to strengthen only too well or run the risk of missing out on Champions League qualification next season – something that would not have even been considered over the last few decades.Again, it’s been suggested they may not have completed their transfer business yet either.
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