With the upper hand (still)

The title of this column seems optimistic after a defeat as relevant and worrying as yesterday (more on what Imanol said in a press conference). La Real deservedly went down against a Villarreal who weren’t necessarily superior, but what they did best was close the gaps and put balls into other people’s goals. 2-0. Simple. The weakness that the relentless team began to show under pressure was worrying, especially after the defeats, and in the protection of the area until a few months ago. “We’ve given away too much”, says Imanol with good reason. He didn’t discover America, mind you. The two competing bullets, Morales and chukwuezethey broke Gorosabel and Aihen, mainly behind. The change, with 2-0, of Alone For one from Arrasate, who had one of the best ball games this year but was very defensive, he leaves a question. Why is it always in the last stretch and never in the previous conversation? we will see together Aritz come back with whatever you have

In short, Real came back without scoring and lost a point. The cushion was reduced to yesterday’s rival, and remains with Betis. There is a slightly smaller margin. Less reason for an optimistic headline. Maybe, yes, but it is a correct phrase on all accounts. With 11 games remaining, Real has two points more than the fifth-placed team, and they still need to play against him and get points from him and surpass the goal average. And bring four to Villarreal. Now it’s time for Anoeta, there are no two pillars like that zubeldia and zubimendi, Of course. In Pacheco and illarra or whatever, but the upper hand, at least for now.