Certainly this has been an odd soccer season in Europe. Firstly we had the World Cup in November and December, ofcourse an odd timing, that affected not just Europe, but the rest of the world.
Then we had odd cases in some other areas. If we take the Champions League for instance, we saw heavy weights like Barcelona and Atletico knocked out in the group stage while much smaller clubs, like Club Brugge advance. Infact Barcelona and Atletico have also been knocked out of the Europa Cup they were expected to dominate.
In Italy, Napoli has been soaring, with hitherto unheralded players like the Nigerian goal bomber, Victor Osimehn and even lesser known Georgian artiste, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, their standing out. Infact the Georgian winger, is largely referred to as the most exciting talent in Europe, with folks likening him to Napoli legend and Argentine great, Diego Maradona. Napoli had looked like the best team in Europe for several months. Looks odd.
The Serie A has also come to the fore this season, with three teams making the quarterfinals and now two of them are currently through to the semi-finals. Quite odd, it last happened in this fashion a decade ago.
Other oddities are that last year's finalists Liverpool have had a season to forget, it's been for them like a sailor unable to control the mast because of the unpredictable wind. Well lately, they are trying to salvage some honor from this season, as they now sit 7th in the EPL,though with more matches than a few teams.
In Germany and France the 2020 finalists are behaving in a strange fashion. Bayern hasn't been as solid as they normal are in the Bundesliga, but have been a beauty in Europe. An odd sudden coaching change has seen them being dumped out of Europe and are struggling to retain their Bundesliga title, with Borussia Dortmund now leading the log. That's a 10-year Bundesliga title streak, that Bayern are threatening to end by themselves.
Similarly, PSG have been struggling in the league and in Europe. Though first of the log now, it is no secret how they have not dominated their League as other years.
In England, the name Arsenal is the most popular theme, because they have dominated proceeding for so long, with a new found winning mentality, team spirit and energetic display. They have confounded doubters and have spent most of the season as league leaders. That's some odd thing again as this reminds us of the 2004 Arsenal.
As it is often the case, order seems to triumph over oddities and we begin to see some usual scenario play out. The best team in Europe and the tournament's most frequent winner (Real Madrid) and the next best team and English league defending Champions (Manchester City) remain in the hunt for the Champions League crown. Furthermore, City has solid odds of winning the treble (the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles) this season. This hasn't happened in England since 1999, when Manchester United did it.
Inspite of their frailties this season PSG looks good for the Ligue 1 title, yet again and Bayern could still win the Bundesliga being only two points behind league leaders and a game in hand. Barcelona too have saved some face having just about polished off winning the LaLiga title. It's first since 2019
So we wait to see how much competitive balance and answers to questions, the back end of this season will serve us. It all makes for a hugely interesting season.
An icing on the cake will be my tribute to a special player, who is astounding many people in his very first season in the EPL. Now he has broken the record for the most goals in a season, with his current 33-goal tally and still counting, what a kid! He's only still only 22.
Cheer
