Real Madrid steps up in Spain while Pep Guardiola is on his way to prove he is a man of his word

Thirty-five times in Spain La Liga victor Since losing to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey last month, Real Madrid seems to have put more pressure on the gas.

When Pep Guardiola predicted in December that Manchester City would win the Premier League for the fourth time in a row, many people scoffed. “I have a gut sense that we will win the Premier League today… Even though we know it won’t be easy because no team has done it before, we feel that we can succeed again despite the fact that people don’t believe it after three draws. The challenge exists and was present in the previous season, but if you ask me how I’m feeling right now, we’ll try again,” the 53-year-old spoke to the media prior to their matchup with title-rival Aston Villa.

Three games in a row, the Blues had fallen short against well-established teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite having a game in hand, they were sixth in the standings, six points behind leaders Arsenal. Then, when things for Guardiola’s team continued to deteriorate—they lost 1-0 away at Villa—the doubters and jeers gained even more confidence.

They haven’t lost since, believe it or not. Since then, they have defeated FC Copenhagen in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League, advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup, won the Club World Cup, and, finally, re-entered the Premier League championship race. They finished first in their group in the Champions League. They still have a game in hand and are now only two points behind leaders Liverpool.

With the exception of the Villa match, City has played 15 games in all competitions since the 3-3 draw against Tottenham. In those games, they have not lost a single match. They really shared points with Crystal Palace and won 13 of these 15 games.

In a few of weeks, City has once again begun to appear dangerous. It seems as though two players, Erling Haaland and, in particular, talisman Kevin De Bruyne, have come back from injury, and this miracle might very well last until the end of the season. The people who were doubting and making fun of Guardiola are now embarrassed and averting their eyes from him and his supporters.

Real Madrid, the 35-time La Liga champion, seems to have put more pressure on themselves since losing to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey last month. Without a doubt, their elimination severely dampened the happiness they had felt after defeating bitter rivals Barcelona 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final a few days before.

Real has played five La Liga games since losing to Atletico; they have won four of them and drawn one. They currently sit atop the La Liga standings, six points clear of Girona, who are hoping to pull a Leicester just 94 years into their top-flight tenure, and ten points clear of third-place Barcelona. Real Madrid even defeated Girona 4-0 in one of their four victories during this time, making a significant statement of purpose. Then, on Tuesday, Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig in the opening leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, is currently the clear favorite to win La Liga. Even though Girona has so far shown incredible spirit, they might not be able to win the title because Barcelona and Atletico are essentially eliminated from the running for the championship. Unusual events don’t occur very often.

However, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, and Villa all willing to give it their all, the English title battle is wide open. However, City might just win out. They also possess a great deal of motivation.

To begin with, no team has ever taken home four consecutive Premier League titles. No English side has won the Champions League consecutively since the competition replaced the European Cup in 1992–1993. With Guardiola’s skill, a group of exceptional players at his disposal, and recent success, the tide is already turning, and those who had doubts about City winning the Premier League at the very least are suddenly lining up to place new bets.