From Paul Giblin:
June 10th
24 hours after the events of Saturday night, there are still moments when I can't help but sit for a moment and think "How on earth did that happen?"
We probably witnessed the most dramatic 20 seconds in the history of La Liga from the Camp Nou on Saturday night. The league title was all but heading back to the Camp Nou as Barca led Espanyol 2-1 while Madrid trailed 2-1 in Zaragoza.
It needed two goals to change the complexion of the league and both games were in their dying moments. No way was that going to happen, was it?
Then into injury time Madrid scored. A goal that would have still left Barca in the driving seat come Sunday. That was dramatic enough, but 20 seconds later, the Barca defence went missing and Tamudo levelled matters in the Camp Nou.
The celebrations turned to stone as everyone realised the enormity of what had happened. Fireworks and hooters sounded in Madrid, while in Barcelona all you could hear was silence and all you could see were people shaking their heads in disbelief.
Frank Rijkaard looked as if he had been crying when he gave his post game press conference, all but admitting the title was lost, thrown away in a moment's loss of concentration.
Our last two visits to Barcelona have seen Barca play enough football to have won with ease and yet they have conceded last minute goals that have cost them a total of 4 points. In the same week Madrid scored last minute goals, earning themselves an extra 4 ponits.
That's where the league has been won and lost. To be honest, nothing is still decided. Should Madrid not beat Mallorca next Sunday then Barca or Sevilla (who could only draw away to Mallorca last week) could still win the title.
But after this week, you feel that fate is on Madrid's side. There is a feeling of inevitability when they take to the pitch and the Bernabeu will be packed in expectation of that celebration that has been 4 long years coming.
It has been the closest Primera Liga for ages, with not only the top three to be decided, but the last two relegation places and the UEFA Cup spots hanging in the balance for the last 90 minutes of the season.
After last week, Madrid are big favourites, but after watching what happened in the Camp Nou, you just have to watch.
Sunday. Real Madrid v Mallorca, live in HD, be there!
Cheers PAUL
Real Madrid vs.
MallorcaThe final match of the Season! The Champion will be decided today!
