Crazy really, 12 months ago Barcelona looked fucked, I thought Madrid were going to dominate La Liga for ages.
Real Madrid have never really looked convincing since Mourinho's reign fell apart (11/12 they were outstanding and should have won the CL and they got 100 points in league). How they won 4 out of 5 CL's without ever looking that good is one of football's great mysteries, but of course they had fine individual talent (Ronaldo, Modric, Kroos, Benzema). Then added a 5th last year by sheer fluke in a few ties and playing a Liverpool side running on fumes in the final and the MOTM was their own keeper.
Ancelotti is a bit of an enigma. Only manager to win 4 Champions Leagues and to win the big 5 domestic leagues. However, his domestic record - relative to the quality of the sides he's coached - isn't that impressive. Barca were at a very low ebb last season, coupled with Atletico's collapse, left an open goal for Madrid. They've been poor again this season.
If we were anywhere near our normal level we'd be relishing the chance to get revenge against these.
