Just a while before sitting down in front of the computer, I remembered a question I was asked on a television program, shortly after the Cup title: “What do you ask of the team in the future?” And I remember having answered something similar to: “I would like the team to continue to excite me every time I approach the stadium”. Something very similar to what I felt when I got ready to watch the game on Sunday. La Real has reached this day after a long and hard season, but in which, with the logical ups and downs, they had maintained the type very worthily. To the point that on the penultimate day, the possibility of sealing the passport for the Europa League was at stake. And the mere fact of being able to do it, evidenced an unquestionable underlying truth: the team had done it again. For the third time in a row, Real had earned the right to sit at the table of the greats of Europe. I arrived at the field excited, and that, for me, is fundamental. Otherwise, I would stop watching football, I would stop watching my team, I would spend my time doing something more satisfying. The team, in a big game, behaved as such. From the beginning, showing the rival that his pedigree did not intimidate him, and that he had the unquestionable intention of taking the points. That was the Real to which I aspired, a source of pride and admiration.
When I answered that question, I wasn’t talking about titles -if they come, and this is the way, fantastic-, I wasn’t talking about results -which also, in a way-, but about attitude, resolution, the search of triumph by the most beautiful way. And I also remember that I added to my previous statement: “That makes me feel proud, even when I don’t win.” That’s why I like it so much.
The four of Imanol
Everyone is from Imanol, even those who play little. Perhaps, and it is normal, the latter may feel less involved in the triumphs, but the Oriotarra has the virtue of managing to unite wills, whatever the circumstances, due to his particular way of being, which we have influenced so many times. We could mention several footballers, in whom the coach places blind trust, as the numbers reveal. This would be the case of Remiro, Le Normand or Oyarzabal. But at this time I wanted to put the emphasis on the engine room, on that core made up of the ‘four of Imanol’, with Zubimendi, Merino, Rafinha and Silva as soloists. The exponential growth that has taken place in the San Sebastian player over the last few months, added to the hierarchy imposed by the Navarrese, the inexhaustible mastery of the Canarian and the contribution of quality and commitment exhibited by the São Paulo player, make up one of the most powerful midfielders in the championship. Three of them, except for a major surprise that is not expected, have guaranteed continuity, while the club is working on finding a formula that allows the fourth to continue. It would be nice to continue seeing Imanol’s quartet work together for this team.
The black corsair appears
Last Wednesday we titled “The Black Corsair appears”. Today we can say that Isak has appeared, and also, where we want to see him, assaulting the rival areas, and sowing panic among the defenses. He is no longer going to be able to save the season, but it is good news that he is beginning to show signs of recovery.
Zubimendi is not a goalscorer
Zubimendi is not a goalscorer, but he could look like one. He already has three goals, something unusual for a footballer whose natural habitat is far from the rival area. In a season in which the owners of the goal have stood out for his absenteeism, the goals of others are appreciated, very valuable in his sporadic contributions.
