Defend fourth place

Aim to save the fourth square, the realistic treasure. It is clear and equal imanol was uttered in the last press conferences. The club and the fans know that the Champions League is the jackpot and that it is within reach, which is why it has become a priority goal after three consecutive qualifications for the Europa League. Indeed, the fourth European ticket, which is more on track to be closer to second place than seventh, 11 points above Osasuna and Athletic, equals a historic record for the club. Specifically, the achievement of the mysterious and legendary team led by Alberto Ormaetxea in years of league titles. Almost nothing.

But, more than that, the realistic team and its ambitious project want and must go one step further and for this, sixth place and fifth place are not worth it, unless UEFA sanctions Barça. You need fourth, or third, because Atlético are six points away.

Not easily overcome

Imanol repeatedly reiterated that the team was fourth in this situation and that it was so overmatched that it ended up entering the Europa League at the last breath. True, but as true as that sentence has been in the league’s last 10 seasons, the fourth loss in the last 10 games has only happened once. One after the other.

The first, in the 18-19 academic year. Valencia, seventh after matchday 28, overcame a six-point deficit to Getafe to advance to the Champions League with a two-point margin. This is the only normal situation of 10 courses, because another case happened in the middle of the pandemic, that is, two courses in one. The losers were Real, who faced the final days with the lowest income of one point to Getafe and Atlético. The colchoneros staged a better summer sprint to beat Real and take 14 points, sixth in the end. This is not the usual standard, far from it.

proper average

As MD reported in yesterday’s edition, it may be enough for Real to project the current average of 1.82 points per game into reality, up to 69. This figure is the average number of points scored by the four player league positions in the last 10 years. Opportunity. To reach Real must add 18 points. Six wins or five and three draws.

There’s nothing like a newspaper library to see that La Real is special for better and for worse. The last joy Champions included Montanier It has 66 points, for example, a figure lower than usual. But focusing the magnifying glass on what different Real de did imanol in the last 10 days, one statement stands out. No one added 18 points mentioned. 20-21 is the best with 17, which might be enough this time. But the realistic calendar is one of the most difficult and the key may be in goal leverages. So far, Real have not won. Hang in there and win Real!