If there is one word that can describe the Spanish league it is probably “Agony”. When Barcelona had defeated Real Madrid last week, everyone believed that they will be crowned league champions. However, today they stumbled upon a strong Espanyol.
Guardiola had said earlier this week that winning the league was not going to be easy because he has to face good teams ahead.

Espanyol had the perfect plan to shut down Barcelona. They pressured the back line, forcing the defenders to repeatedly clear the ball. In the midfield Xavi found himself shut down in the hands of Forlin and Baena.

Barcelona demonstrated impotence, Messi was not getting the ball, and in occasions he tried to be the hero but was easily stopped by Pareja on defense. Valdes repeatedly played the ball long (something we had not seen since the pre-Guardiola era), and Alves was sent off 30 minutes before the end of the match.

Before the end of the first half, Victor Valdes cleared a header by Osvaldo, which could have ended in a goal and changed the outcome of the match.

If Real Madrid can defeat the inspired Valencia, then the gap will be shortened to one point. Can Real Madrid win the league? Or will Barcelona remain as leader and win the Champions league in the Bernabeu and finish to put the title of “failure” to Florentino Perez’ Galactico project? We will not know the answer until the last game of the season.

Espanyol creates hope for Real Madrid

Guti confirms he will be playing his last “Clasico”
During an interview with Onda Madrid, Madrid’s playmakers said that he has a feeling this will be the last time he plays against Barcelona wearing the Real Madrid jersey.

Guti said “I don’t have a clear idea about my future. Surely I will be my last Clasico. As of today I have no chances to continue, I have one more year in my contract but I hope to reach an agreement. I know they will understand, my choice is leaving the club”. He mentioned that he does not want any kind of drama, that is something that was coming and the best thing is to leave the club in a decent manner.

Guti, will finally say goodbye to the club that saw him grow, both as a player and individual. Guti first made his debut in the first squad in 1995, 15 years later he could be saying goodbye. His numbers with Real Madrid:

UEFA Champions League: 1997–98, 1999–00, 2001–02
UEFA Super Cup: 2002
Intercontinental Cup: 1998, 2002
Spanish League: 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
Spanish Super cup: 1997, 2001, 2003, 2008

Guti began his career with Real Madrid in 1984, as a forward during his years in la cantera, but soon was moved into the midfield. He made his official debut on December 2 1995, in a match that Real Madrid won 4-1 against Sevilla.

Guti has guaranteed that he will not retire from football, instead he wishes to continue his career somewhere else, maybe England, Italy or the Emirates.

Joking during the conference he said, “Xabi Alonso wants my number 14, I think he will do honor to the number”. He also recommended the club to sign Cesc Fabregas and David Silva, both players would bring a lot of quality to the club.

Guti could have been a better player if it wasn’t for his night life and repeted issues with different coaches through his career. To finish the interview he said “ My heart will always remain with Madrid”.

Personally, I will miss seeing Guti in Madrid. To me, he is one of the best players in his position, sure, he is not constant, but when he feels like playing, he does it and very well.

Guti could say goodbye after "El Clasico"