MADRID, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid won the Spanish Supercup in Saudia Arabia in convincing style over Barcelona. Although that meant a reduced fixture list in La Liga, there was still plenty to consider:
1. Real Madrid show their form and Barca's in Supercup final
Real Madrid's crushing 4-1 win over FC Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup final highlighted why they are runaway favorites to win La Liga this season.
Carlo Ancelotti's side were faster, sharper and altogether better than a rival that made basic defensive errors and never really looked like getting back on level terms.
Barca's win over Osasuna was the first time they have won by more than one goal in 21 games (and that was with a second goal in injury time) and they look like team that will win some games through inertia, rather than good football, and coach Xavi Hernandez must know that his side are light years away from the team that was almost unstoppable when he played.
As for Madrid, they are fast, they are confident and the arrival of players such as Brahim Diaz means that although they lack a top striker, they have plenty of attacking options.
2. Athletic Club looking set for Europe after derby win
Athletic Club Bilbao took advantage of the Supercup to move to third in La Liga with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in the Basque derby, that was more convincing than the final score implies.
Athletic dominated the first half with their pace and energy and scored twice through Alex Berenguer, who was in the side due to Inaki Williams' absence at the African Cup of Nations.
The home side controlled the game after the break and held on for six minutes after Mikel Oyarzabal netted with Real Sociedad's only effort on target all game.
The win leaves Athletic nine points clear of their neighbors, who are sixth in the table and they have won their last five home games, but only that: they look like a team that has got used to winning and believe they can beat anyone they play.
3. Girona drop two vital points as injuries start to bite
Girona are a point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table, but will be frustrated if they didn't take the chance to move three clear as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to bottom of the table Almeria.
Almeria are still without a win all season, but had the best chances in the game against Girona, who are missing David Lopez and Eric Garcia in central defense and who also lost Aleix Garcia to a second half red card.
David Lopez has been outstanding all season and will miss at least three more games as he was also suspended for comments about referees in a post-game 'flash' interview.
His experience and leadership have been vital to Girona and without him, they seem slightly less than the side that has so impressed in La Liga so far.
4. Cadiz look like they need a change
Cadiz went down to a 4-1 defeat at home to Valencia, and although the result was given some sheen by two injury time goals, the fact is Cadiz have not won since September 1st and never looked like winning on Sunday.
Coach Sergio Gonzalez has tried everything, and Cadiz's crisis is certainly not all his fault, but after four and a half months without a win, the situation can't continue. The coach might survive this week, but failure to beat Alaves in a key relegation duel next week will surely see him lose his job. ■
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