The essence of football can be felt from every league showcasing its diversity. Friday, 18th August 2017 marks the start of one of the most creative and tactically astute leagues in the world.. The Spanish League or La Liga as they call it. The men plying their trade in Spain for the past few years have shown that; agility, quick passing, and Tiki-Taka are better alternatives as opposed to hard crunching challenges, something you relate with the British game. Probably, the reason for the excellent performance of Spanish teams across all European Competitions. The Spanish are also home to football’s fiercest rivalry. The crux of such gameplay is felt very strongly in the league, be it any match. A general perception exists that Spanish gameplay is more mesmerising and awe-inspiring. Keeping these philosophies in mind, let us see the fixtures of Day 1 as the Spanish Magic commences.
Friday night stands alibi, as 4 teams take center stage to fight it out. The first match is Leganes playing hosts to Alaves. Both are contending for a mid-table finish. Leganes finished a point above relegation, however, it seems that this season they might step down to the Secunda Division. They saw a pretty much disappointing pre-season facing defeats at the hands of Atletico and other opponents. Leganes manager, Asier Garitano although was optimistic about the chances that were taken by his team. But the pre-season is pretty much a wake-up call for him and his team. Leganes start their campaign without their stars Serates and Timor.
However, they have been able to keep hold of them this transfer season. Alaves, on the other hand, were finalists of the Copa Del Rey. Barcelona decimated them. Alaves have seen a change in their management with Mauricio Pellagrino parting ways to join Southampton. This sees Luis Zubeldia take over the reins. The fans of Alaves will be expecting to finish in the upper half of the table if not above last year’s position. Their coach is inexperienced and it will interesting to see his tactics. The visitors in comparison had a good pre season, losing one game and drawing four against the likes of Athletic Bilbao. Alaves have brought in reinforcements with Sobrino from Man City and Enzo Zidane from Madrid. However, Enzo may not start the match. If pre season form is considered, Alaves stand favorites. However, Leganes hold the home advantage. A draw is on the horizon.
Estadio Mestalla awaits. Image via Pintrest.(https://goo.gl/ksmJoS).
The second late night fixture features Valencia playing hosts to Las Palmas. Valencia, in the last two seasons, have performed below expectations finishing 12th consecutively. A visit from Las Palmas is a blessing in disguise, as they can start on a high note. Valencia have seen some transfers take place, with the likes of Alvaro Negredo leaving. They also have captured a few signings as well. Simone Zaza being the most prominent of signings for 16 million euros.
Valencia coach, Marcelino will be hoping that signings which include forwards, a keeper and others fit in into his strategies. Zaza, Rodrigo, and Cancelo will be the players to watch out for. Las Palmas have seen changes in their management well. Their Ex-manager, Quique Setien left for Real Betis. Manolo Marquez, the reserve team boss takes charge. They have also confirmed signings of Vitolo, from Man City in this window.
Players like Kevin Prince Boateng have also been added to their roster, while Jese Rodriguez is angling for Stoke City. Expect Boateng and Zaza to be key players for their teams. A score of 3-0 is pretty much on the cards for the hosts, as they should easily over power the visitors on paper.
