IT'S NOT just because I'm a huge Barca fan, nor the general artistry of the football itself, it's really because it offers a unique blend of theatre, politics, and sport, all blended wonderfully together.
The A-League will never really offer entertainment that reflects the depth and colour of La Liga. The diversity of 'Spanish culture', if there is really such an all encompassing phrase, frames the spectacle in dimensions that are nearly inconceivable to this relatively young nation, with its much younger football heritage.
History, and the passage of time, have formed great rivalries, prejudices, and even hatreds that add both interest and intrigue to what is, after all, only a sporting competition.
Or is it? Perhaps it is really all about perspective.
There is simply no rivalry that quite matches that of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and to understand it, knowing a little Spanish history helps.
Without wanting to bore anyone, before Spain became a nation state, Madrid was the epicentre of the old Kingdom of Castille. Barcelona was an independent county whose interests became aligned to those of an adjacent Kingdom known as Aragon (no not Aragorn!... stay with me here).
This alliance between the Catalans (Barcelona) and Aragonese occurred during during the 12th century. Needless to say, all of these regions have their own distinct languages and culture, and have been, in one form or another, in a contest to gain political ascendancy over each other for centuries since.
For this reason, the contest between Castille and Aragon/Catalonia is one of the most profound rivalries in world sport, let alone football. What is notable is that the Kingdoms of Spain were only united under the Austrian Habsberg empire in the 16th century, and even then, it was only a loosely held state in which Castille's influence reigned much to the distaste of the Catalans (amongst others).
There are other local rivalries and peculiarities in Spain of course, the Basque region in which Ahtletic Bilbao play is a notable one (many of you would remember the longstanding Athletic rule was that only players of Basque ethnicity could play for the club). However, with La Liga scheduled to kick off this weekend, the age old contest between these two great regional adversaries, and football behemoths, is set to be more intense than ever.
Mariners fans sometimes have the impression that our team is really hated, however I urge you to have a think about how you may view your team, when it has grown to be a fundamental part of your 'national' identity. These teams are a part of a culture, and they are multi-generational in what they represent. They are not imported rivalries as was the case in the old NSL, and they are not borne of local sectarian difference either.
Barcelona kick off the new season with a small squad (only 19 players) continuity and a bit of an experiment in the shape of the big Swedish striker Zlatan Imbrahimovic. A wonderfully gifted player, but can he be as effective as E'too?
Real start the campaign with huge expectations ('huge' may be inadequate in quite capturing it). I won't bother to yet again state the ridiculous sums spent, but the players in this squad are really a Fantasy Football wet dream. The Galacticos mark II have to accomplish what mark I delivered in spades.
My tip is they will be wonderful to watch, but having stars is one thing, being able to use them effectively (positionally) is another thing altogether.
I know you are waiting for the prediction , so here it is; Barca will again win La Liga, and make it two years running in the Champions League. So there you go.
As for the A-league, and round 4, well all I'll say is that it was refreshing to hear Robbie, Bozza, and Kenny Sansom actually defend the use of 'long balls'. The reality check for all those getting worked up into a lather about what is equated with 'boring football' is that the game is actually a simple one, made complicated by idiots (was it Bill Shankly that said this?).
What it's all about, is doing what works. The objective is to put the ball in the back of the net more times than your opponent. Therefore being able to adapt is the key to success.
The Mariners are undefeated three games in, and should rightly consider last weeks draw against Sydney a lost two points. When you miss a penalty and then a one on one opportunity at the 90+ minute mark there is no other way to view it, end of story.
Their match against Roar in Brisbane should be entertaining, if for no other reason than the Roar are an attacking side, and have shown they really know no other way. If they can score an early goal, this will open the game up a bit.
Tactically the Mariners should look to stifle Brisbane's creative and attacking players of course. I think they can do it, and come away with a win, and probably a few more negative comments on their effectiveness at stopping their opponent from playing strangely enough.
I take no responsibility for any factual errors in the potted history of Spain above. My philosophy has always been to never let the facts get in the way of a good story.
