Madrid's Mission

For most clubs, their achievements are usually evaluated at the end of their respective campaigns. But for the Los Blancos (Mourinho in particular), by this time next week the season could be all but over. After a disappointing campaign for Madrid, dropping points to the likes of Granada and Sevilla, their priorities have had to shift to La Decima (The Tenth European Cup) and  Copa Del Ray. Madrid were perhaps hard done by, by the powers that be, that in a space of eight days they'd have to play three massive encounters, each with their own significant importance. But this is Madrid we talking about, The Mighty Whites where nothing less than winning and playing Beautiful football is the bare minimum. That's exactly what Madrid did on Tuesday, outplaying, outsmarting, outwitting Barcelona. A performance that left many Madridistas wondering why it took so long to see the Madrid we got used to watching last season, destroying teams with quick and deadly counter attack football.





Madrid are in the Copa Del Ray Final and a certainly favorites to win the cup. But a more important few days faces the men in white. Another El Classico, this time in the league at the Santiago Bernabeu, a game that's of the least importance considering Barca's mammoth gap at the top of La Liga. But a game in which Madrid are expected to perform well at least for the fans sake. And not to forget the Champions League return tie against Manchester United.



Knowing Jose, we could see a few changes to the squad, so as not to risk an injury or fatigue to the players, ahead of what has been dubbed the Final Before The Final: Man Utd vs Real Madrid at Old Trafford. But rest assured that those that are selected will be expected to go all out for the win, and give the team an even bigger boost ahead of Tuesdays Clash.

The most important of the three and possibly the only thing that could save Mourinho's future is the tie at Old Trafford. After a tactical and 'professional' performance from both teams, Tuesdays game has all the ingredients of a mouth Watering clash. Jose cannot afford defeat, and with his hunger and Madrids obsession with La Decima you can bet there will be goal. 

This may not be the final, but this time next week we'll know if Madrid's season is a total disaster,or if Mourinho's men are at least one step close to The Holy Grail. Whatever the next few days brings, rest assured we in for one intense yet scintillating week for the Los Blancos, starting with the HUGE GAME tonight that is El Grand Clasico.

By Tumelo Khoza