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The formation of Catalonia and its possible effectsBarcelona leaving the La Liga is every fan's worst nightmare. However, as the Catalan region seeks independence from Spain, it has been stated that they could no longer be allowed to play in La Liga. Barcelona are a vital cog in the machinery of La Liga. Apart from Real Madrid, they are the other very successful club in Spain. So, let us take a look at what would happen should Barcelona leave the La Liga.
#5 Boring La Liga
La Liga, for the most part, has been a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Aside from Atleticos victory last year and Valencia and Real Sociedads victoryin the early 2000s, it has always been either Madrid or Barcelona. Without Barcelona, Real Madrid would dominate for a long time and that would considerably reduce the entertainment value of La Liga.
Aside from last year, the points gap between the second and third placed teams has been immense. Even last year, the fourth placed team was a far way off from third placed Real Madrid with a massive 17 points separating the two. This shows the gulf in class between the top three and the rest of the league.
Remove Barcelona and you have two teams head and shoulders above the rest. Even Atleticos rise has been recent and there are question marks surrounding their ability to sustain in. All these point to Realsmonopoly over La Liga which would make it very boring.
#4 The Madrid derby
With no more El Clasico to look upto, the Madrid derby or El Derbi Madrilenocould then become the most important rivalry in La Liga. Although Real Madrid are considerably stronger than their cross-town rivals, the recent upturn in Atleticos fortunes could make this rivalry very interesting. Atletis La Liga victory last term shows their increasing influence on Spanish football.
The skewed rivalry between the two sides has now gained much more significance with the Rojiblancosrise and if theycan maintain their level for a long time, this could become the ultimate rivalry of La Liga and soften the blow of Barcelonas absence.
#3 Effect on the Spanish National team
The secession of Barcelona from Spain would have major consequencesforthe Spanish National team. The core of the hugely successful team which won two European Championships and oneWorld Cup was formed by Barcelona players. The likes of Fabregas, Busquets, Xavi, Alba and upcoming players like Sergi Roberto, Marc Bartra and Cristian Tello would no longer be able to feature for the Spanish team.
Add to that the talented youngsters making their way out of La Masia every year. It is thusno coincidence that Barceonas finest years have also been the finest years forSpainsnational side. Their disappointing World Cup campaign also came at a time when Barcelona had a disappointing season. This showsBarcelonas importance to Spanish football and their loss would be a huge setback for football in the country.
#2 Catalan League or Ligue 1?
If Barcelona do make their way out of La Liga, Barcelona would either take part in a newly formed Catalonia League or play in Ligue 1 just like principality side Monaco. The first option looks highly unlikely as apart from Espanyol, there are no other clubs from Catalunya playing in the La Liga or possessingthe ability to compete with them.
Even if a league is formed, it would be a monopoly for Barcelona and in the long run, would hurt their competitive edge. So the latter would be the more logical option with Barcelona competing with the likes of PSG and Monaco in Ligue 1.
#1 No more El Clasico
This would be a huge loss for La Liga. One of the most fabled rivalries, the El Clasico is the highlight of Spanish football. The fixture has produced some of the most iconic moments in Spanish football. Lionel Messis hattrick at the Bernabeu, Ronaldinho recieving a standing ovation at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo silencing the Camp Nou crowd with a late goal, all these moments are etched forever in the minds of La Liga fans.
It is this passioned rivalry which makes La Liga so special.The rivalry also has a political undertone to it with the match labelled as a battle between Spanish nationalism and Catalanism.
We all know the effect Madrid and Barcelona have on each other. The rivalry between the two clubs continuously drives them to outdo each other and as a result, we are treated to spectacular football from the two of them. During Barcelonas golden period (2009-11) they were chased by a resilient Madrid side and having a fierce competitor like them only made Barcelona better.
The league points tally record was broken twice during that period. It does seem like the two teams bring the best out of each other and need each other to maintain their high levels of performance. With no Barcelona in La Liga, it would mean the death of the El Clasico. Althoughthey could still meet each other in European competitions but would it be the same?
